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The space below the shoulder joint, bounded by the pectoralis major anteriorly, the latissimus dorsi posteriorly, the serratus anterior medially, and the humerus laterally; it has a superior opening between the clavicle, scapula, and first rib (cervicoaxillary canal), and an inferior opening or floor covered by the axillary fascia and skin; it contains the axillary artery and vein, the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus, axillary lymph node s and vessels, and areolar tissue. SYN: armpit, axil, axillary cavity, axillary fossa, axillary space, fossa axillaris, maschale. [L.]
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ax·il·la ag-'zil-ə, ak-'sil- n, pl -lae -(.)ē, -.ī or -las the cavity beneath the junction of the arm or anterior appendage and shoulder or pectoral girdle containing the axillary artery and vein, a part of the brachial plexus of nerves, many lymph nodes, and fat and areolar tissue esp ARMPIT
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n. (pl. axillae)
the armpit.
• axillary adj.
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ax·il·la (ak-silґə) gen. and pl. axilґlae [L.] [TA] the pyramidal region between the upper thoracic wall and the upper limb, its base formed by the skin and apex bounded by the approximation of the clavicle, coracoid process, and first rib; it contains axillary vessels, the brachial plexus of nerves, many lymph nodes and vessels, and loose adipose areolar tissue. Cf. armpit. axillary adjMedical dictionary. 2011.