The boundaries of the cubital fossa include the following:
apex- it is directed downwards, and is formed by the meeting point of the lateral and medial boundaries.
superficial boundary (roof)- skin, superficial fascia containing the medial cubital vein, the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the medial cutaneous of forearm deep fascia reinforced by the bicipital aponeurosis (a sheet of tendon-like material that branches off the tendon of the biceps)
The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures (from lateral to medial):
The radial nerve is in the vicinity of the cubital fossa, located between brachioradialis and brachialis muscles. It is often[2] but not always[3] considered part of the cubital fossa.
The brachial artery. The brachial artery usually bifurcates near the apex (inferior part) of the cubital fossa into the radial artery (superficial) and ulnar artery (deeper)
When the radial nerve is included, one can also use the mnemonic for lateral to medial: "Really Need Beer To Be At My Nicest".[2] When the radial nerve is excluded, one can use the mnemonic TAN, for "Tendon Artery Nerve".
The ulnar nerve is also in the area, but is not in the cubital fossa; it occupies a groove on the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Several veins are also in the area (for example, the median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and basilic vein) but these are usually considered superficial to the cubital fossa, and not part of its contents.
Clinical aspects
During blood pressuremeasurements, the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. The cubital fossa is also an area used to palpate for the brachial pulse.
The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for venous access (phlebotomy). A number of superficial veins can cross this region. Historically, back when (venous) blood-letting was practiced, the bicipital aponeurosis (the ceiling of the cubital fossa) was known as the "grace of God" tendon because it protected the contents of the fossa (i.e. the brachial artery and the median nerve).
Additional images
Superficial veins of the upper limb.
Front of right upper extremity.
Front of right upper extremity, showing surface markings for bones, arteries, and nerves.dddd
