ANATOMY OF THE

CUBITAL FOSSA
ITS BORDERS, CONTENTS AND
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The cubital (anticubital) fossa is a triangular-shaped
depression over the anterior aspect of the elbow joint.
Borders
The cubital fossa is triangular in shape and consists of
three borders, a roof, and a floor:

Lateral border – medial border of the brachioradialis

muscle.
Medial border – lateral border of the pronator teres muscle.
Superior border – horizontal line drawn between the
epicondyles of the humerus.
Roof – bicipital aponeurosis, fascia, subcutaneous fat and
skin.
Floor – brachialis (proximally) and supinator (distally).
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures from lateral to
medial.

THE RADIAL NERVE: is not always strictly considered part of the cubital
fossa, but is in the vicinity, passing underneath the brachioradialis muscle.
As it does so, the radial nerve divides into its deep and superficial branches.

BICEPS TENDON: runs through the cubital fossa, attaching to the radial
tuberosity, just distal to the neck of the radius.

BRACHIAL ARTERY: supplies oxygenated blood to the forearm. It bifurcates

into the radial and ulnar arteries at the apex of the cubital fossa.

MEDIAN NERVE: leaves the cubital between the two heads of the pronator
teres. It supplies the majority of the flexor muscles in the forearm
Mnemonic for contents of the cubital fossa – Really Need (radial nerve) Beer
To (biceps tendon) Be At (brachial artery) My Nicest (median nerve).
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
BLOOD PRESSURE AND BRACHIAL PULSE: During blood pressure measurements, the
stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. The artery runs medial to the
biceps tendon. The brachial pulse may be palpated in the cubital fossa just medial to the tendon.

VENIPUNCTURE: Many superficial veins can cross this region. Median cubital vein connects
the basilic and cephalic veins and can be accessed easily. This makes it a common site for
venipuncture. It may also be used for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A condition that involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar
nerve which can cause numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, pain in the forearm,
and/or weakness in the hand. These symptoms are often felt when the elbow is bent for an
extended period of time, such as while holding a phone or while sleeping. Sometimes nerve
testing (EMG/NCS) may be needed to see how much the nerve and muscle are being affected.
The first treatment is to avoid actions that cause symptoms. Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely
around the elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep the elbow from bending can help. Avoiding
pressure on the “funny bone” can also help.
SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURE: This is a common
fracture in young patients and usually, occurs when a
person falls onto a hyper-extended elbow. It is a transverse
fracture, spanning between the two epicondyles. It can
also happen by falling onto a flexed elbow, but this
accounts for less than 5% of cases.The displaced fracture
fragments may impinge and damage the contents of the
cubital fossa. Direct damage or post-fracture swelling can
cause interference to the blood supply of the forearm from
the brachial artery. The resulting ischemia can cause
Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture.
THANK YOU FOR
WATCHING!!
FROM GROUP 2A