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 c ...

and the three cords of the

brachial plexus The brachial plexus is a network of nerves (nerve plexus) formed by the anterior rami of the lower four Spinal nerve#Cervical nerves, cervical nerves and first Spinal nerve#Thoracic nerves, thoracic nerve (cervical spinal nerve 5, C5, Cervical spi ...

to form the

neurovascular bundle A neurovascular bundle is a structure that binds nerves and veins (and in some cases arteries and lymphatics) with connective tissue so that they travel in tandem through the body. Structure There are two types of neurovascular bundles: superfici ...

. 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 ...

and is continuous with the

carotid sheath The carotid sheath is a condensation of the deep cervical fascia enveloping multiple vital neurovascular structures of the neck, including the common and internal carotid arteries, the internal jugular vein, the vagus nerve (CN X), and ansa c ...

at the venous angle. 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 Axillas {{Portal bar, Anatomy