Cubital Fossa

Description

Anatomy of the cubital fossa. Note the relationship between the distal biceps tendon, bursa, and the adjacent neurovascular structures.

General

• Triangular fat filled depression on the anterior elbow
• Often called the antecubital fossa

Anatomic Borders

• Superior: imaginary line joining the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus
• Lateral: brachioradialis muscle
• Medial: pronator teres muscle
• Floor: formed by the brachialis, supinator
• Roof: antebrachial fascia, bicipital aponeurosis of the biceps brachii, overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue

Function

• Passageway for neurovscular bundle including:
  • Median Nerve
  • Radial Nerve
  • Brachial Artery bifurcates into the Cubital Artery, Radial Artery
• Superficial Veins: Basilic vein, medial cubital vein, cephalic vein

Musculoskeletal Anatomy

• Distal Bicipital Tendon of Biceps Brachii
• Bicipital Aponeurosis
• Interosseous Bursa
• Bicipitoradial Bursa

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Clinical Significance

• Supracondylar Fracture
  • Can damage contents of the cubital fossa

Anatomical Landmark for Common Procedures

• Identify brachial pulse
• Venupuncture
• Instertion of IV catether
• Creation of AV fistula

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See Also

• Elbow Pain Main
• Elbow Anatomy Main

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