The axillary sheath is a fibrous sheath that encloses the
axillary artery
In human anatomy, the axillary artery is a large blood vessel that conveys oxygenated blood to the lateral aspect of the thorax, the axilla (armpit) and the upper limb. Its origin is at the lateral margin of the first rib, before which it is ...
and the three cords of the
brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is a network () of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the lower four cervical nerves and first thoracic nerve ( C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1). This plexus extends from the spinal cord, through the cervicoaxillary canal in th ...
to form the
neurovascular bundle.
It is surrounded by the
axillary fat.
[Last's Anatomuy, 9th Edt] It is an extension of the prevertebral fascia of the
deep cervical fascia
The deep cervical fascia (or fascia colli in older texts) lies under cover of the platysma, and invests the muscles of the neck; it also forms sheaths for the carotid vessels, and for the structures situated in front of the vertebral column. Its a ...
.
A
brachial plexus nerve block can be achieved by injecting anaesthetic into this area.
References
External links
*
Description at upstate.edu
Arteries of the upper limb
Fascia
{{Portal bar, Anatomy