Cubital fossa

Cubital fossa
Ulnar and radial arteries. Deep view.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	fossa cubitalis
Dorlands /Elsevier	12375853
TA	A01.2.07.010
Anatomical terminology []

The cubital fossa or elbow pit is the triangular area on the anterior view of the elbow of a human or other hominid animal. It is also called the antecubital fossa because it lies anteriorly to the elbow (Latin cubitus) when in standard anatomical position.

The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures (from lateral to medial):

The ulnar nerve is also in the area, but is not in the cubital fossa; kuma it occupies a groove on the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Several veins are also in the area (for example, the median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and basilic vein) but these are usually considered superficial to the cubital fossa, and not part of its contents.

During blood pressure measurements, the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. The artery usually runs medial to the bicepital tendon. The brachial pulse may be palpated in the cubital fossa also just medial to the tendon.

The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for venous access (phlebotomy). 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 (venous) blood-letting was practiced, the bicipital aponeurosis (the ceiling of the cubital fossa) was known as the "grace of God" tendon because it protected the more important contents of the fossa (i.e. the brachial artery and the median nerve).