Cubital fossa


The cubital fossa, chelidon, or elbow pit is the triangular area on the anterior view of the elbow of a human or other hominid animal. It lies anteriorly to the elbow when in standard anatomical position.

Boundaries

The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures :
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 but these are usually considered superficial to the cubital fossa, and not part of its contents.

Clinical aspects

Like other flexion surfaces of large joints, it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount of lymph nodes.
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.
The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for venous access in procedures such as injections and obtaining samples for blood tests. A number of superficial veins can cross this region. It may also be used for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Historically, when blood-letting was practiced, the bicipital aponeurosis was known as the "grace of God" tendon because it protected the more important contents of the fossa.
Statistically, the antecubital fossa is the least tender region for peripheral intravenous access, although it provides a greater risk for venous thrombosis.

Additional images