Cubital Fossa
The cubital fossa is a triangular area located anterior to the elbow. It is bounded by the medial border of brachioradialis laterally, and the lateral border of pronator teres medially. The base is formed by an imaginary line between the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus. The apex is directed downwards and is formed by the joining of the medial and lateral boundaries while the base is directed upwards. The floor of the cubital fossa is formed by brachialis medially and supinator laterally. The roof is formed by the skin, the superficial fascia, the median cubital vein and the bicipital aponeurosis.
Figure1: Cubital fossa
The contents
From medial to lateral side the contents are as follows:
1) Median nerve,
2) Termination of the brachial artery and the beginning of the radial and ulnar arteries,
3) Tendon of biceps, and
4) Radial nerve.
The median nerve leaves the fossa by passing between the two heads of pronator teres. The ulnar artery passes deep within the muscle to reach the deep head of pronator teres. The radial artery passes through the apex under cover of brachioradialis. The radial nerve terminates in front of the lateral epicondyle by dividing into superficial and deep terminal branches. The superficial branch descends in front of the forearm under cover of brachioradialis, while the deep branch passes between the two head of supinator muscle to reach the back of the forearm.
Figure2: Contents of the cubital fossa1
