Cubital fossa

The cubital fossa (a.k.a. antecubital fossa) (plural: fossae) is an inverted triangular space that forms the transition between the arm and the forearm. It is located anterior to the elbow joint.

The terms cubital/antecubital fossa are also used in surface anatomy for the skin overlying this region.

Gross anatomy

Boundaries

• superior: the line joining the medial and lateral humeral epicondyles (epicondylar line)
• lateral: medial border of brachioradialis
• medial: lateral border of pronator teres
• apex: formed by the meeting of the lateral and medial boundaries (proximal intersection of the brachioradialis and pronator teres)
• roof:
  • deep fascia of forearm reinforced medially by the bicipital aponeurosis
  • medial cutaneous nerve of forearm; lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
  • basilic vein; cephalic vein; median cubital vein
• floor: brachialis muscle (medial), and supinator muscle (lateral)

Contents

From medial to lateral:

• median nerve
• brachial artery and brachial veins (venae comitantes)
• tendon of biceps
• radial nerve
• posterior interosseous branch of radial nerve

The order can be recalled using this mnemonic.