Antecubital Fossa Explained: A Detailed Understanding

The antecubital fossa is a triangular depression located at the front of the elbow. It is bounded by the brachioradialis muscle laterally, the biceps brachii muscle medially, and the brachialis muscle anteriorly. This area is used for the insertion and venipuncture of medical needles, as well as for the administration of injections.

Where Is the Antecubital Fossa?

The antecubital fossa is located on the anterior (front) aspect of the elbow joint. It is the depression located between the biceps and triceps muscles.

Antecubital Region

The antecubital region is the area of the body between the elbow and the shoulder. It is located on the inside of the arm, and is where the arm bends when the elbow is bent. The antecubital region is a common area for injections to be administered, as well as for taking blood samples.

Antecubital Fossa Anatomy

Image Credit: S Bhimji MD

The antecubital fossa is an anatomical region located on the anterior aspect of the elbow. It is bounded by the biceps brachii muscle anteriorly, the brachialis muscle laterally, and the triceps brachii muscle posteriorly. The cubital fossa is a depression on the anterior aspect of the elbow that is located within the antecubital fossa. This fossa contains important vessels and nerves that provide innervation and blood supply to the forearm. The median cubital vein, which is a common site for venipuncture, is located in the cubital fossa. The brachial artery and the median nerve are also located in the antecubital fossa and provide innervation to the anterior aspect of the forearm.

Blood Supply in the Antecubital Fossa

The antecubital fossa is the area on the inner side of the elbow that is made up of the medial and lateral epicondyles. It is supplied by the brachial artery, which is the main artery that runs down the arm. The brachial artery gives off branches in the antecubital fossa, including the radial artery, ulnar artery, and the deep brachial artery. The radial artery supplies the lateral side of the forearm, while the ulnar artery supplies the medial side of the forearm. The deep brachial artery supplies the muscles in the forearm, as well as the skin of the elbow.

Antecubital Fossa Nerves

The antecubital fossa is filled with several important nerves, including the median nerve, ulnar nerve and radial nerve. The median nerve runs down the arm and supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. The ulnar nerve runs from the shoulder to the hand and supplies sensation to the little finger and the other half of the ring finger. The radial nerve supplies motor function to the muscles of the forearm and hand and is responsible for wrist extension.

Antecubital Fossa Muscles

The antecubital fossa is bounded by the brachialis, biceps brachii, and pronator teres muscles, and contains the median cubital vein, and the brachial artery.

The muscles located in the antecubital fossa are:

1. Brachialis
2. Biceps brachii
3. Pronator teres
4. Brachioradialis
5. Flexor carpi radialis
6. Flexor carpi ulnaris
7. Palmaris longus
8. Pronator quadratus

Clinical Significance of the Antecubital Fossa

The antecubital fossa is important for medical purposes because it is a common site for clinical examination, diagnostic testing, and intravenous access. It is easily accessible, making it an ideal location for performing venipuncture. The area is also used for injections, such as vaccines and antibiotics, as well as for the injection of contrast media during imaging procedures. In addition, it is also an important site for palpation during physical examinations, such as for checking for lymphadenopathy.