Cubital Fossa
The cubital fossa is a triangular depression on the anterior surface of the elbow, serving as a transition zone between the arm and forearm. It is clinically important as the site for venipuncture, blood pressure measurement, and access to the brachial artery and median nerve.
Boundaries
superior
Imaginary line connecting the epicondyles of the humerus
inferior
Apex formed by the meeting of brachioradialis and pronator teres
anterior
Skin and fascia (bicipital aponeurosis protects deeper structures)
posterior
Brachialis muscle and supinator muscle
lateral
Brachioradialis muscle
medial
Pronator teres muscle
Contents
From lateral to medial
Superficial structures
Nerves
- • Median nerve
- • Radial nerve (deep to brachioradialis)
- • Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve
- • Medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Vessels
- • Brachial artery
- • Radial artery (begins here)
- • Ulnar artery (begins here)
- • Median cubital vein
- • Cephalic vein
- • Basilic vein
Muscles
- • Brachioradialis (lateral boundary)
- • Pronator teres (medial boundary)
- • Brachialis (floor)
- • Supinator (floor)
- • Biceps brachii (tendon passes through)
Clinical Relevance
- •Venipuncture: Median cubital vein is the preferred site for blood draws due to its superficial position and relative immobility
- •Blood pressure: Brachial artery is palpated medial to biceps tendon for BP measurement and auscultation
- •Supracondylar fracture: Can damage brachial artery, causing Volkmann's ischemic contracture
- •Bicipital aponeurosis: Protects underlying structures; laceration here can damage median nerve and brachial artery
Study Tips
- ✓Remember contents lateral to medial: "Really Need Beer To Be At My Nicest" (Radial nerve, Biceps tendon, Brachial artery, Median nerve)
- ✓The bicipital aponeurosis (lacertus fibrosus) is a key protective structure
- ✓Brachial artery divides into radial and ulnar arteries at the apex
- ✓Radial nerve is technically outside the fossa, deep to brachioradialis
Cubital Fossa FAQs
Common questions about this region
The median cubital vein is superficial, relatively large, and anchored by surrounding tissues making it less mobile. It also has fewer nearby nerves compared to the basilic vein side.
The bicipital aponeurosis (lacertus fibrosus) is a fascial expansion from the biceps tendon that protects the brachial artery and median nerve beneath it. It's an important landmark and protective structure during surgery.