Lacertus fibrosus

Bicipital aponeurosis
Superficial muscles of the chest and front of the arm. (Lacertus fibrosus visible as white band at lower right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	aponeurosis musculi bicipitis brachii
Dorlands /Elsevier	a_53/12146729
TA	A04.6.02.016
FMA	39085
Anatomical terminology []

The bicipital aponeurosis (also known as lacertus fibrosus) is a broad aponeurosis of the biceps brachii which is located in the cubital fossa of the elbow and separates superficial from deep structures in much of the fossa.

The bicipital aponeurosis originates from the distal insertion of the biceps brachii. While the tendon of the biceps inserts on the radial tuberosity, the aponeurosis reinforces the cubital fossa, and helps to protect the brachial artery and the median nerve running underneath. This protection is important during venipuncture (taking blood) from the median cubital vein.

It is one structure that has to be incised during fasciotomy in the treatment of acute compartment syndrome of the forearm and elbow region.

Some individuals (about 3% of the population) have a superficial ulnar artery that runs superficially to the bicipital aponeurosis instead of underneath it. These individuals are at risk for accidental injury to the ulnar artery during venipuncture.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)