| axillary neuropathy | <neurology, pathology> A condition involving dysfunction of the axillary nerve which normally supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles and sensation to the lateral aspect of the shoulder. This condition is a type of peripheral neuropathy that may manifest as the result of a variety of disease processes or injuries. Conditions associated with axillary nerve dysfunction include mononeuritis multiplex, fracture of the humerus, abduction injury to the shoulder, pressure to the armpit from a cast, splint or crutches. Symptoms include numbness over the outer portion of the shoulder, shoulder weakness and difficulty lifting arm or objects over your head. An EMG, nerve conduction study or muscle biopsy can be helpful in making the diagnosis. Recovery is generally spontaneous if the underlying cause can be corrected and shoulder mobility is preserved. Corticosteroid injections may be indicated in some instances. Origin: Gr. Pathos = disease (27 Sep 1997) |
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| axillary node | <anatomy> The lymph nodes in the axilla (underarm) that are cut out and examined during surgery to see if the cancer has spread past the breast. The number of nodes in this area varies. (09 Oct 1997) |
| axillary plexus | A lymphatic plexus formed of the lymph nodes, with their afferent and efferent vessels, in the axilla. Synonym: plexus axillaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary region | The region of the axilla, including the axillary fossa. Synonym: regio axillaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary sheath | Fibrous neurovascular sheath, formed as an extension of the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia through the cervicoaxillary canal, which enclosed the first part of the axillary artery, the axillary vein, and the brachial plexus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary space | <anatomy> The underarm area. (16 Dec 1997) |
| axillary sweat glands | Sudoriferous glands that develop in association with hair follicles and undergo enlargement and secretory development at puberty; they secrete a viscous and odourless sweat that supports the growth of bacteria leading to an acrid odour; secretion is by an eccrine, not apocrine, mechanism. Synonym: axillary sweat glands. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary thermometer | Thermometer used by placing it in the armpit, with arm held closely to the side. Synonym: axillary thermometer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary triangle | A triangular area embracing the medial aspect of the arm, the axilla, and the pectoral region which is one of the seats of predilection for the petechial initial rash of smallpox. (05 Mar 2000) |
| axillary vein | <anatomy, vein> The venous trunk of the upper limb; a continuation of the basilar and brachial veins running from the lower border of the teres major muscle to the outer border of the first rib where it becomes the subclavian vein. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cervical axillary canal | Canal through which the subclavian vessels and brachial vessels reach the upper extremities (or extremity). (05 Mar 2000) |
| middle axillary line | A vertical line intersecting a point midway between the anterior and posterior axillary folds or lines. Synonym: linea axillaris media, linea medio-axillaris, middle axillary line. (05 Mar 2000) |
| posterior axillary fold | Bounds axilla posteriorly; formed by skin and fascia overlying latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles and tendons of insertion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| posterior axillary line | A vertical line extending inferiorly from the posterior axillary fold. Synonym: linea axillaris posterior, linea postaxillaris, postaxillary line. (05 Mar 2000) |
| subscapular branches of axillary artery | <anatomy, artery> Branches of axillary artery passing directly to the subscapularis muscle. Synonym: rami subscapulares arteriae axillaris. (05 Mar 2000) |