Underarmarna

Underarmarna is the plural term for the armpits, the soft, hair-bearing hollows at the junction between the upper arm and the torso. In humans the area corresponds to the axilla and serves as a transitional space between the arm and chest, bounded by skin, fascia, and underlying muscles. The axilla contains important neurovascular structures and a lymphatic network, making it a key anatomical region beyond its surface appearance.

Anatomy and contents typical of the underarm include: skin with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, subcutaneous tissue, and a layer of axillary fat. The axillary space houses parts of the brachial plexus, the axillary artery and vein, and an extensive set of lymph nodes that drain the upper limb, chest wall, and breast region. The region also contains muscles such as portions of the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi that form part of the axillary boundary.

Secretory glands in the underarm include eccrine sweat glands throughout the skin, which help regulate temperature, and apocrine glands concentrated in the axilla, whose secretions interact with skin bacteria to produce most of the characteristic odor. Hair growth is common in this region and can influence both thermoregulation and cosmetic appearance. The underarm also serves as an immune-related drainage area through its lymph nodes, contributing to defense against infections of the upper limb and surrounding areas.

Common topics of clinical interest include hidradenitis suppurativa, dermatitis, and infections related to friction or moisture, as well as considerations in deodorant and antiperspirant use. The axilla is also a site where breast tissue and cancer can involve lymphatic spread, highlighting its role in broader thoracic anatomy. Cultural practices and hygiene routines commonly address grooming and odor management in this area.