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The bones of the upper limb include that of the shoulder girdle (clavicle, sternum and the
scapula), and the humerus, ulna, radius, and the carpal and hand bones.
The anterior pectoral (thoracoappendicular) muscles include pectoralis major, pectoralis minor,
subclavius and serratus anterior.
The posterior pectoral muscles include trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, rhomboid
minor and major, deltoid and teres major.
The rotator cuff muscles include supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Movement (flexion/extension and pronation/supination), and between the arm and forearm
occur at the elbow. The flexors of the arm are the muscles of the anterior compartment
(biceps brachii, brachialis and coracobrachialis), and the extensor is the posterior
compartment (triceps brachii). The flexor-pronators of the forearm are in the anterior
compartment of the forearm (superficial group [crosses elbow]: pronator teres, palmaris
longus, flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis; deep group: flexor digitorum
profundus, flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus). The extensor-supinators of the
forearm are in the posterior compartment of the forearm. Those that extend the hand at the
wrist joint are extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, and extensor carpi ulnaris. Those
that extend the medial four digits are extensor digitorum, extensor indicis and extensor digiti
minimi. Those that extend the thumb are abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis
and longus. The prime mover between the arm and forearm is the supinator muscle.
Cubital fossa
The boundaries of the cubital fossa are:
1) Superiorly – medial and lateral epicondyle
2) Medially – pronator teres
3) Laterally – brachioradialis
4) Floor – brachialis and supinator
5) Roof – deep fascia
The brachial artery passes distally in the anterior compartment of the arm, and divides into
the radial and ulnar arteries at the neck of the radius. It also gives off profunda brachii
branch which supplies the posterior compartment of the arm.
Ulnar artery
This passes medially and inferiorly into the anterior compartment of the forearm and
terminates as the superficial palmar arch in the hand.
Radial artery
The radial artery passes distally under brachioradialis, and is only palpable on the lateral
wrist. It enters the palm and terminates as the deep palmar arch.
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