Surface Anatomy of the Upper Color Code

Important
Doctors Notes
and Lower Limbs Editing File Notes/Extra explanation
Objectives
By the end of the lecture, students should be able to:
Palpate and feel the bony the important prominences in the upper and the
lower limbs.
Palpate and feel the different muscles and muscular groups and tendons.
Perform some movements to see the action of individual muscle or
muscular groups in the upper and lower limbs.
Feel the pulsations of most of the arteries of the upper and lower limbs.
Locate the site of most of the superficial veins in the upper and lower
limbs.

NOTE: most of the information in this lecture is more practical than theoretical. Try to focus on the things that we’ve taken before.
What is Surface Anatomy?
o It is a branch of gross anatomy that examines shapes and markings on the
surface of the body (on the skin) as they are related to deeper structures.
o It is essential in locating and identifying anatomic structures prior to
studying internal gross anatomy.
o It helps to locate the affected organ / structure / region in disease process.

Why do we study surface anatomy?

When we say surface anatomy of the liver, for example, we mean its normal position on the
skin, and this is important to know so we can determine if it is normal or not and give a
primary diagnosis of the organ before going deeper. Also if there is an injury to a certain area
we can predict which organs, vessels, nerves will be affected.
Upper Limb
Bones (Clavicle)
o The clavicle is subcutaneous and can be palpated throughout its length.
o Its sternal end projects little above the manubrium.
o Between the 2 sternal ends of the 2 clavicles lies the jugular notch (suprasternal notch).
o The acromial end of the clavicle can be palpated medial to the lateral border of the acromion, of the
scapula. particularly when the shoulder is alternately raised and depressed.
o The large vessels and nerves to the upper limb pass posterior to the convexity of the clavicle.

These 2
pictures
are extra
 Upper Limb
Bones (Scapula)
Extra

o The coracoid process of scapula can be felt deeply below the lateral
one third of the clavicle in the Deltopectoral GROOVE or clavipectoral
triangle.
o The clavipectoral or the (Deltopectoral) triangle is the slightly
depressed area just inferior to the lateral third of clavicle.
Superiorly:
Clavicle

The clavipectoral
Medially: Laterally:
triangle is Deltoid
Pectoralis major
bounded by:
Upper Limb
Bones (Arm)
The lateral and
posterior borders of
the acromion meet to
form the acromial o The greater tubercle of humerus can be felt
angle. by deep palpation through the deltoid
muscle, inferior to the acromion when the
arm is by the side.
o In this position, the greater tubercle is the
most lateral bony point of the shoulder.
Inferior to the acromion, o The shaft of the humerus may be felt in
the deltoid muscle forms different areas through the muscles
the rounded contour of surrounding it.
the shoulder. o The medial and lateral epicondyles of the
humerus are palpated on the medial &
lateral sides of the elbow region.
Upper Limb
Bones (Forearm)
o The head of ulna forms a rounded subcutaneous prominence
that can be easily seen and palpated on the medial side of These 2 pictures are extra
the dorsal aspect of the wrist.
o The pointed subcutaneous ulnar styloid process may be felt
slightly distal to the ulnar head when the hand is supinated.
o The olecranon and posterior border of the ulna lie
subcutaneously and can be palpated easily.
2
1
o When the elbow joint is extended (1), the tip of the
olecranon process, the medial and the lateral epicondyles lie
in a straight line.
o When the elbow is flexed (2), the olecranon forms the apex
of an equilateral triangle (‫)مثلث متساوي االضالع‬, of which the
epicondyles form the angles at its base.
o Fractures of any of these structures will disturb this
arrangement. (so when we take an xray we wont be able to
see the triangle)
7
Upper Limb 3rd metacarpel

Bones (Wrist and Hand) Knuckles

of hand
o The head of radius can be palpated and felt
to rotate in the depression on the Knuckles
posterolateral aspect of the extended of finger
elbow, just distal to the lateral epicondyle of
the humerus with supination and pronation.
o The radial styloid process can be palpated o The metacarpals, although they overlapped by the
on the lateral side of the wrist in the long extensor tendons of the fingers, they can be
anatomical snuff box. palpated on the dorsum of the hand.
o It is approximately 1 cm o The heads of the metacarpals form the knuckles of
distal to that of the ulna. the hand.
o Notice that the 3rd metacarpal head is the most
prominent.
o The dorsal aspects of the phalanges can be easily
palpated.
o The knuckles of the fingers are formed by the heads
of the proximal and middle phalanges.
Upper Limb Recall
Axillary Folds
o The anterior axillary fold is formed by the lower margin of the
pectoralis major, and can be palpated by the finger.
o This can be made by asking the patient to press his or her hand
against the ipsilateral hip.
o The posterior axillary fold is formed by the tendons of latissimus dorsi
and teres major muscles.
Axilla
o The axilla should be examined with the forearm supported and the
pectoral muscles relaxed. The patient will relax their hand and you
will carry and hold the arm and examine the axilla.
o When the arm is by the side, the inferior part of the head of the
humerus can be easily palpated through the floor of the axilla.
o The pulsations of the axillary artery can be felt high up in the axilla,
and around the artery are the cords of the brachial plexus.
o The medial wall of the axilla is formed by the
upper ribs covered by the serratus anterior.
o The lateral wall is formed by the coracobrachialis
and biceps brachii and the bicipital groove.
Extra
Upper Limb
o The borders of the deltoid are visible when the arm is abducted
against resistance.
o The distal attachment of the deltoid can be palpated on the lateral
surface of the humerus (deltiod tuberosity of the humerus).

o Biceps brachii & triceps brachii form bulge on the

anterior and posterior surfaces of the arm.
o The biceps tendon can be palpated in the cubital fossa,
immediately lateral to the midline.
o The triceps tendon can be palpated where it is attached
to the olecranon process.

o There are 2 grooves: Medial and lateral grooves separate

the bulges formed by the biceps and triceps.
o The cephalic vein ascends superiorly in the lateral groove
and
o The basilic vein ascends in the medial groove.
Upper Limb
Brachial Artery A

B
The brachial artery can be felt pulsating deep to the medial
border of the biceps. C

To stop bleeding by pressure on the artery in the upper half of D Brachial artery
the arm it is pushed laterally against the humerus (A).
In the lower half it is pushed posteriorly (B).
In the cubital fossa, it lies beneath the bicipital aponeurosis (C).
At the level of the neck of the radius, it divides into radial and
ulnar arteries (D).
To stop an artery from bleeding we have
to press it against a bone. So depending
on the position of the artery on the bone
we decide how to push/apply pressure
Upper Limb
Cubital Fossa
In the cubital fossa, try to locate:
o Cephalic vein
o Basilic vein and
o Median cubital vein are clearly visible.
o The median cubital vein connects the
cephalic and the basilic veins .
o It crosses over the bicipital aponeurosis.

o It is the vein of choice for IV line, WHY?

Because it is very superficial and its position
is fixed
Upper Limb
Dorsum of Hand
The dorsal venous network:
The tendons of extensor digitorum, extensor
The network of superficial veins can be seen
indicis, and extensor digiti minimi can be
on the dorsum of the hand.
seen and felt as you extends your fingers.
The network drains upward into the cephalic
vein laterally, and the basilic vein medially.
Keep in mind this description is in the anatomical position
and in the picture we are looking at the hand posteriorly
 Upper Limb
Anatomical Snuff Box It is a depression on the
lateral aspect of the
wrist joint which is
accentuated when you
Boundaries extends your thumb.
o The snuff box is bounded :
o Anteriorly or laterally by 2 tendons:
• Abductor pollicis longus o In its proximal part the radial styloid
• Extensor pollicis brevis process is palpable.
o Posteriorly or medially by extensor o The scaphoid bone is also palpable in the
pollicis longus distal part of the anatomical snuff box.

o Also, the radial artery pulsation can be

felt against the floor of the snuff box.
o More superficially, the anatomical snuff
box is crossed by
o The cephalic vein.
o The radial nerve.
Extra
Upper Limb
Radial Artery Radial Artery pulsation:
Universally, its pulsations can easily be felt
anterior to the distal third of radius.
The Radial artery can be drawn by a line extends from the
Here it lies just beneath the skin and fascia
midpoint of the cubital fossa to the base of the styloid
lateral to the tendon of flexor carpi radialis
process of radius.
muscle
Upper Limb
Palmer Arches
Superficial Palmar Arterial Arch.
The superficial palmar arterial arch is located in the central
part of the palm and lies on a line drawn across the palm at
the level of the distal border of the fully ex-tended thumb.

Deep Palmar Arterial Arch.

The deep palmar arterial arch is also located in the central
part of the palm ( proximal to the superficial one), lies on a
line drawn across the palm at the level of the proximal
border of the fully extended thumb.

Distal border

Proximal border
 Inguinal Ligament

Lower Limb
Inguinal Region

Extra

The inguinal ligament extends between:

The pubic tubercle and
The ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine).
In the mid-inguinal point you can feel the pulsations of the femoral
artery.
All of the following structures are The femoral vein lies on the medial side of the artery.
palpable in the inguinal region: While the femoral nerve lies lateral to the artery.
1. Symphysis pubis Extra Midinguinal point:
2. Body of pubis
3. Pubic tubercle* o It is a point on the inguinal ligament midway between the
symphysis pubis and the ASIS.
4. ASIS (anterior superior iliac
spine) o The femoral artery is an important site for vascular access as a
*The pubic tubercle is a land *Radiologic visualization of the large number of arteriographic* procedures are undertaken
mark for 2 types of hernias arteries following injection of through its percutaneous puncture, (coronary angiography).
a radiopaque substance.
 Lower Limb
Inguinal Region
Femoral Triangle
o The femoral triangle can be seen as a depression below
the fold of the groin in the upper part of the thigh.

o In a thin or muscular subject (patient), the boundaries of

the triangle can be identified when the thigh is flexed,
abducted, and laterally rotated.

o The base of the triangle is formed by the inguinal

ligament, the lateral border by the sartorius and the
medial border by the adductor longus

o The iliac crest is subcutaneous and can be palpated

throughout its length, from the ASIS (anterior
superior iliac spine) to the PSIS (posterior superior
iliac spine).
o The greater trochanter of the femur is also
subcutaneous and can be palpated on the lateral
aspect of the hip joint behind and distal to the ASIS.
Extra
Lower Limb Extra

Knee Region
On the medial aspect of the
knee joint try to palpate:
o In front of the knee joint the patella and the 1. Medial femoral condyle
ligamentum patellae (or patellar ligament)
2. Medial tibial condyle
can be easily palpated.
o The ligamentum patellae can be traced
3. The 3 tendons of (SGS)
downward as it is attached to the tibial • Sartorius.
tuberosity. • Gracilis
o The condyles of the femur and tibia can be • Semitendinosus.
recognized on the sides of the knee and the
joint line can be identified between them.

On the lateral aspect of

the knee joint try to
palpate:
In the back of the knee and leg try to
1. Lateral femoral condyle
palpate:
2. Lateral tibial condyle
1. The boundaries of the popliteal fossa.
3. Head of the fibula
2. The pulsation of the popliteal artery
4. Neck of the fibula
which is deeply situated in the fossa.
5. Tendon of biceps
femoris.
Lower Limb
Leg and Foot

On the dorsum of the foot try to palpate:

On the anterior aspect of the leg and 1. The tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal
knee joint and try to palpate: 2. The tubercle of navicular.
1. The patella. 3. The metatarsals.
2. The tibial tuberosity. The long extensor tendons:
3. The anterior border of the tibia, 4. Tibialis anterior
(shine). 5. Extensor hallucis longus.
4. The medial tibial condyle. 6. Extensor digitorum longus.
5. The medial surface of the tibia. 7. Peroneus tertius.
6. The medial malleolus. 8. Also, try to feel the pulsation of the
7. The lateral malleolus. dorsalis pedis artery between the
tendons of extensor hallucis longus &
extensor digitorum longus.
Lower Limb
Leg and Foot

On the lateral aspect of the leg try to palpate: On the Medial aspect of the ankle try to palpate and feel:
1. The tendons of peroneus longus and brevis. 1. The medial malleolus.
2. The tendon Achilles. 2. The tendons of tibialis posterior * To palpate the
3. The lateral malleolus. 3. The tendon of flexor digitorum longus. pulse of the artery
we ask the patient to
4. The posterior tibial artery* invert their foot (to
5. The calcaneus. relax the flexor
retinaculum).
 Questions 4. Which tendon of the following muscles makes the
1.The clavipectoral triangle is medially bound by: anterior axillary fold?
A.Clavicle A.Teres major
B.Deltoid B.Pectoralis major
C.Pectoralis Major C.Teres minor
D.Pectoralis Minor D.Pectoralis minor

2. An x-ray was taken of patient’s arm posteriorly while it was 5. Which of the following descends in the lateral bicipital
flexed. The normal equilateral triangle was disturbed. Which of groove?
the following structures is most likely affected? A.Cephalic vein
A.Olecranon process B.Basilic vein
B.Radial styloid process C.Saphenous vein
C.Head of femur D.Median cubital vein
D.Head of fibula
6. A patient arrived in the ER suffering from dehydration.
3. Which of the following structures make up the knuckle of the The doctor requested that he have a saline drip. Which of
hand? the following veins should we use to start the I.V. line?
A.Head of proximal phalanges A.Cephalic vein Answers:
B.Head of distal phalanges B.Basilic vein 1. C
2. A
C.Head of metacarpals C.Saphenous vein
3. C
D.Base of metacarpals D.Median cubital vein 4. B
5. A
6. D
 Questions
10. What are the boundaries of the femoral triangle?
7. The pulsation of which of the following arteries can be felt in
the snuff box? 11. List 3 major structures passing through the femoral
A.Brachial artery triangle.
B.Femoral artery
C.Radial artery 12. While palpating the medial aspect of the knee what 3
D.Ulnar artery tendons can we feel?

8. The inguinal ligament extends between the pubic tubercle 13. What are the boundaries of the anatomical snuff box?
and ______.
A.Anterior superior iliac spine
B.Anterior inferior iliac spine Answers:
C.Posterior superior iliac spine 10. The base of the triangle is formed by the inguinal ligament,
the lateral border by the sartorius and the medial border by
D.Posterior inferior iliac spine
the adductor longus.
11. Femoral artery, femoral nerve, and femoral vein.
9. A patient suffering from a myocardial infarction underwent a 12. We can feel the tendons of (SGS)
coronary angiography. Which of the following arteries was used 1.Sartorius.
to gain vascular access? 2.Gracilis
A.Axillary artery 3.Semitendinosus.
B.Femoral artery Answers: 13. The anatomical snuff box is bound anteriorly by tendons of
C.Brachial artery 7. C Abductor pollicis longus and Extensor pollicis brevis and
8. A posteriorly by extensor pollicis longus tendon.
D.Radial artery 9. B
 Leaders:
Nawaf AlKhudairy
Jawaher Abanumy
Ghada Almazrou

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