Artery axillary artery Lymph axillary lymph nodes MeSH A01.378.800.090 | Vein axillary vein Latin Axilla | |
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Nerve axillary nerve, medial cord, posterior cord, lateral cord | ||
The axilla (also, armpit, underarm or oxter) is the area on the human body directly under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder. It also provides the under-arm sweat gland.
Contents
- Boundaries
- Society and culture
- Tickling
- Underarm hair
- Lymphogenic spread of breast cancer
- Axillary intertrigo
- References
In humans, the formation of body odor happens mostly in the axillary region. These odorant substances serve as pheromones which play a role related to mating. The underarm regions seem more important than the genital region for body odor which may be related to human bipedalism.
Boundaries
Anatomically, the boundaries of the axilla are:
The lower posterior boundary is called the posterior axillary fold and this is a compound structure consisting of the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles.It can descend after weight loss.
The anterior boundary is called the anterior axillary fold and this is rounded in shape and formed by the lower border of the pectoralis major. Some sources also include the pectoralis minor.It can elongate after weight loss.
The contents of the axilla include the axillary vein and artery, as well as the brachial plexus, lymph nodes and fat. The axilla is the space between the side of the thorax and the upper arm.
Contents
Society and culture
The term "underarm" typically refers to the outer surface of the axilla. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts. Colloquially, underarm refers to the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.
The term oxter is used in the Scots language instead of "axilla".
Tickling
The underarm can be a ticklish area, possibly due to the number of nerves it contains. Some people find this area to be particularly unpleasant when tickled.
Underarm hair
Underarm hair usually grows in the underarms of both females and males, beginning in adolescence.
In some modern Western cultures, it is common for women to remove underarm hair. Some view this practice as an aesthetic matter, while others view its removal as a possible effect of health related concerns. As underarm hair grows quickly, shaving must be performed frequently, or else stubble will appear in the axilla.
Throughout the feminist movement, previously in the hippie culture, and in some areas of the punk rock scene, some women choose to keep their underarm hair for a variety of reasons, from subversion to egalitarianism to comfort. Conversely, some men choose to remove their underarm hair for similar aesthetic reasons or to reduce friction in some sports, such as swimming. In a wider context, similar human habits exist also in relation with other hairy areas of the body.
Lymphogenic spread of breast cancer
Breast cancer typically spreads via lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes found in the axilla.
Axillary intertrigo
Excessive perspiration can result in axillary intertrigo. Intertrigo is an inflamed skin condition caused by heat, friction, and moisture. A warm, wet underarm may accommodate the growth of pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. The condition is responsible for rash-like symptoms, pustules, or chronic itching or burning in the underarm. Axillary intertrigo is common among those who work in hot environments.