Thoracic Outlet

Description

Thoracic outlet and relevant anatomy

Name

• Thoracic Outlet

General

• Comprises the space from the supraclavicular fossa to the axilla
• Bounded by the bony structures of the spinal column, first ribs, and sternum

Interscalene triangle

• Borders
  • Anterior: anterior scalene muscle
  • Posterior: middle scalene muscle
  • Inferior: first rib
• Contents
  • Brachial Plexus
  • Subclavian Artery

Costoclavicular space

• Borders
  • Anterior: subclavius muscle
  • Inferoposterior: first rib and anterior scalene muscle
  • Superior: clavicle
• Contents
  • Brachial plexus
  • Subclavian artery
  • Subclavian vein

Subcoracoid space

• Borders
  • Anterior: pectoralis minor muscle
  • Posterior: ribs 2–4
  • Superior: coracoid process
• Contents
  • Brachial plexus
  • Axillary artery
  • Axillary vein

Distinction from Thoracic Inlet

• Thoracic inlet: characterizing what is entering the thorax
• Thoracic outlet: characterizes what is leaving the thorax to upper limb and neck

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Clinical Significance

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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See Also

• Neck Anatomy Main
• Shoulder Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Pain Main

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