Axillärt

Axillärt is a Swedish adjective meaning "relating to the axilla, or armpit." In anatomy, the axilla is the pyramidal space beneath the shoulder where the upper limb attaches to the trunk. It is bounded anteriorly by pectoralis major and minor, posteriorly by teres major and latissimus dorsi, medially by the upper ribs and serratus anterior, laterally by the intertubercular groove of the humerus, with a roof formed by fascia and skin and a base that constitutes the armpit.

Contents: The axilla houses the axillary vessels (artery and vein) with branches, the cords of the brachial plexus, and a cluster of axillary lymph nodes. It contains adipose tissue and skin glands, notably apocrine sweat glands that contribute to odor. Lymphatic drainage from the upper limb, chest wall, and parts of the breast passes through these nodes.

Clinical relevance: Axillary lymph nodes are central to breast cancer staging and infections. Palpation of these nodes is part of physical examination. The region also contains nerves such as the axillary nerve and intercostobrachial nerve; injury can affect shoulder abduction and sensation. Vascular injuries to the axillary artery or vein are rare but serious.

Etymology and usage: The term stems from Latin axilla and is used in Swedish anatomy to describe things armpit-related, for example axillärt område or axillära lymfkörtlar. It appears in medical terminology and clinical descriptions of the armpit region.