AXILLARY CAVITY Meaning and
Definition
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The axillary cavity, also known as the armpit, is a concave, anatomical space that is located between the upper arm and the side of the chest. It is formed by the arrangement of various structures including muscles, bones, blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, and connective tissues within the region. The axillary cavity is bordered by the humerus bone (upper arm bone) medially, the scapula bone (shoulder blade) posteriorly, and the clavicle bone (collarbone) anteriorly.
Functionally, the axillary cavity serves as a passageway for important structures, mainly the axillary artery and axillary vein that supply blood to and drain blood from the upper limb. Additionally, it acts as a gateway for various nerves that innervate the muscles and skin of the upper limb, such as the brachial plexus and its branches. Furthermore, the axillary cavity houses numerous lymph nodes, which play a crucial role in filtering lymph fluid and assisting in immune responses.
In terms of clinical significance, the axillary cavity is often examined by healthcare professionals during physical examinations, specifically when evaluating the breast, as it contains lymph nodes that can potentially be involved in the spread of breast cancer. Additionally, injuries or trauma to the axillary cavity, such as dislocation of the shoulder joint or fractures of the nearby bones, may occur and require medical attention.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AXILLARY CAVITY
- zxillary cavity
- sxillary cavity
- wxillary cavity
- qxillary cavity
- azillary cavity
- acillary cavity
- adillary cavity
- asillary cavity
- axullary cavity
- axjllary cavity
- axkllary cavity
- axollary cavity
- ax9llary cavity
- ax8llary cavity
- axiklary cavity
- axiplary cavity
- axiolary cavity
- axilkary cavity
- axilpary cavity
Etymology of AXILLARY CAVITY
The word "axillary cavity" is formed from two main components: "axillary" and "cavity".
- "Axillary" is derived from the Latin word "axilla", which means "armpit". It is also related to the Greek word "axios", meaning "shoulder". The English word "axillary" specifically refers to something pertaining to or located in the armpit.
- "Cavity" comes from the Latin word "cavus", meaning "empty space" or "hollow". In English, it refers to a hollow or empty area within a body or structure.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "axillary cavity" derives from the Latin and Greek roots, indicating a hollow or empty space located in or related to the armpit region.
Similar spelling words for AXILLARY CAVITY
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