| Axillary arch | |
|---|---|
 Axillary arch highlighted in red. | |
 Axillary arch labelled as 'achselbogen'. | |
| Details | |
| Origin | Latissimus dorsi muscle |
| Insertion | Humerus, Pectoralis major |
| Artery | Lateral thoracic artery and subscapular artery |
| Nerve | Lateral pectoral nerve |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | arcus axillaris |
| Anatomical terms of muscle | |
The axillary arch is a variant of the latissimus dorsi muscle in humans. It is found as a slip of muscle or fascia extending between the latissimus dorsi muscle and the pectoralis major. There is considerable variation in the exact position of its origin and insertions as well as its blood and nerve supply.[1] The arch may occur on one or both sides of the body.[2] A meta-analysis revealed that the axillary arch had an overall prevalence of 5.3% of limbs.[3]
The arch is considered to have no functional significance, although this is challenged by some authors.[2][4] It plays a role in entrapment of nearby structures and may alter local anatomy if a dissection of the local area is needed during surgery. The arch appears to arise from the panniculus carnosus, a structure found in most non-primate mammals, and has similarities with muscles found in many animals. The axillary arch has several other names including Langer's axillary arch, the muscle of Langer, axillopectoral muscle, Achselbogen and pectorodorsalis muscle.[5]
- ^ Wilson JT, The Innervation of the Achselbogen Muscle, J Anat Physiol. 1912 Oct; 47(Pt 1): 8–17. [1]
- ^ a b Clarys, J. P.; Provyn, S.; Cattrysse, E.; Snoeck, T. H.; Van Roy, P. (1 December 2008). "The role of the axillary arch (of Langer) in the management and the kinesiology of the overhead shoulder mobility". The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 48 (4): 455–465. ISSN 0022-4707. PMID 18997648.
- ^ Taterra, Dominik; Henry, Brandon Michael; Zarzecki, Michał P.; Sanna, Beatrice; Pękala, Przemysław A.; Cirocchi, Roberto; Walocha, Jerzy A.; Tubbs, R. Shane; Tomaszewski, Krzysztof A. (2019). "Prevalence and anatomy of the axillary arch and its implications in surgical practice: A meta-analysis". The Surgeon: Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland. 17 (1): 43–51. doi:10.1016/j.surge.2018.04.003. ISSN 1479-666X. PMID 29801707. S2CID 44092725.
- ^ Besana-Ciani, I.; Greenall, M. J. (1 October 2005). "Langer's axillary arch: anatomy, embryological features and surgical implications". The Surgeon. 3 (5): 325–327. doi:10.1016/s1479-666x(05)80111-8. ISSN 1479-666X. PMID 16245651.
- ^ Bergman R. "Axillary Arch". Anatomy Atlases. Retrieved 28 September 2015.