Supraclavicular fossa

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== Supraclavicular fossa ==

The supraclavicular fossa is an anatomical feature located in the human body. It is a depression or hollow area situated above the clavicle (collarbone) and lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This fossa is clinically significant as it serves as a landmark for various medical procedures and is a site where important anatomical structures are located.

Anatomy

The supraclavicular fossa is bordered by the following structures:

• Medially by the sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Inferiorly by the clavicle
• Laterally by the trapezius muscle

Within the fossa, several important anatomical structures can be found, including:

• The subclavian artery and subclavian vein
• The brachial plexus
• The lymph nodes of the supraclavicular region

Clinical Significance

The supraclavicular fossa is of particular interest in clinical medicine for several reasons:

• **Lymphadenopathy**: Enlargement of the lymph nodes in this area can be an indicator of various diseases, including infections, lymphoma, and metastatic cancer.
• **Venous Access**: The fossa is a common site for the insertion of a central venous catheter into the subclavian vein.
• **Nerve Blocks**: The fossa is used as an access point for performing brachial plexus blocks, which are regional anesthesia techniques used in surgeries of the upper limb.

Examination

During a physical examination, the supraclavicular fossa is palpated to check for any abnormalities such as swelling, tenderness, or masses. The presence of a palpable mass in this area, known as a Virchow's node, can be a sign of gastric cancer or other malignancies.

Related Topics

• Clavicle
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Trapezius muscle
• Subclavian artery
• Subclavian vein
• Brachial plexus
• Lymph nodes
• Central venous catheter
• Brachial plexus block
• Virchow's node
• Gastric cancer