Step 1 - Dissection of the Axilla

1. This dissection shows the axillary artery and all components of the brachial plexus. You may also want to review the branches of the brachial plexus and the branches of the axillary artery at this time.

2. At this time, you may remove the clavicle on one side only to facilitate dissecting the brachial plexus and axillary artery on that side. Remove the clavicle on the side you already reflected the pectoralis minor.

3. When complete, you should have cleaned and identified the following:
   Nerves
   • superior, middle and inferior trunks of the brachial plexus
   • anterior and posterior divisions of the brachial plexus
   • lateral, medial and posterior cords of the brachial plexus
   • median nerve
   • musculocutaneous nerve
   • ulnar nerve
   • axillary nerve
   • thoracodorsal nerve
   • upper and lower subscapular nerves
   • lateral and medial pectoral nerves
   • long thoracic nerve
   • medial brachial and antebrachial nerves
   
   Arteries
   • axillary artery
   • thoracoacromial trunk and branches dissected earlier
   • thoracodorsal artery
   • subscapular artery
   • anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries
   • circumflex scapular artery
   • lateral thoracic artery
   • superior thoracic artery

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John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Updated: Oct 4, 2008
Created: Mar 1, 1996