Armpit (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Parts, Conditions, & More

• The armpit, which is also called the axilla. It's a pyramidal space that can be found between the upper part of the arm and the side of the chest wall. This space is bounded in front and behind by axillary folds. The lymph nodes, axillary vessels, and brachial plexus can all be found embedded in the fibrofatty tissue of this area.
• Additionally, it plays the role of a funnel-shaped tunnel that allows neurovascular structures to travel from the base of the neck to the upper limbs and back again. It is responsible for draining lymph fluid from the upper limb as well as the breast.
• Because axillary lymph nodes are frequently enlarged and, as a result, are routinely palpated during the course of a patient's physical examination, the study of the axilla is considered to be clinically significant. Abscesses are also quite common in this region. The armpit is the warmest area of the body.
• It's surprising to hear that each armpit has a large number of lymph nodes—roughly 20, divided into two groups—but you won't be able to feel them unless they become inflamed. (One cluster is situated higher in elevation than the other.) These lymph nodes help your body's immune system do its job by filtering out harmful substances from cells all around.

The main function of the armpit is to produce sweat, which helps to regulate body temperature and keep the skin cool. The armpit contains a large number of sweat glands, which produce a fluid called perspiration that is composed of water, electrolytes, and other substances.

In addition to producing sweat, the armpit also plays a role in protecting the body. It contains a number of lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system and help to filter out bacteria and other foreign substances. The armpit also contains a number of nerve endings, which help to control the movement of the upper arm and shoulder.

• Hyperhidrosis: In this condition excess sweat is produced under arms. The cause of this excess condition is still unknown. It is not due to anxiety or other stress.
• Irritant contact dermatitis: It is a condition of armpits in which inflammation occurs due to irritants such as soaps, deodorant, alcohol, and dry air.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: It is a condition that occurs due to allergens on the skin. Small blisters, dermatitis, and redness on the skin are common symptoms
• Psoriasis: The main region where psoriasis shows its effect on armpits, it is remarkable by red plaques having a silvery scale appearance on the skin. Psoriasis is a well-known autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissue and causes harm.
• Acanthosis nigricans: It is a condition of armpit skin in which velvets marking on the skin of armpits, neck, groin, and/or under the breasts appear.
• Tinea corporis (ringworm): It is a fungal infection that is present in the epidermal layer of skin. Ringworm usually creates a ring-shaped infection on the skin
• Tinea Axillaris: It is a condition in which ringworm usually affects the armpit area of skin.
• Candidiasis (yeast infection): It is a fungal infection caused by Candida which results in irritation of the skin with white plaques. This infection is mostly seen in areas of the armpits having conditions like warm and moist skin.
• Armpit abscess: It is a condition of the armpit when the pus is collected in the area of the armpit by the bacterial action. Such as Staphylococcus.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa: It is a chronic condition in which red, tender bumps appear on the skin of the armpits or groin. The elevated bumps often turn into an abscess which turns into scars.
• Erythrasma: It is a chronic skin condition that is a result of Corynebacterium bacteria. red-brown, irritated patches are common symptoms of this infection.
• Armpit boil (furuncle): An infection of the skin that affects a single hair follicle as well as the skin around it. It results in a sore, red bump on the skin that may develop into an abscess.
• Armpit folliculitis: It is a condition in which infection arises in the hair follicles of the armpit which causes inflammation of these follicles. This Folliculitis is mild and easily treatable.
• Axillary lymphadenopathy: It is a condition in which the enlargement of lymph nodes on one or both armpits. This swelling could be due to infection, carcinoma or other causes.
• Armpit skin tags (acrochordons): It is an unusual and harmless condition due to small flaps of skin in the area of armpits. Skin infections are a common cause here.

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, it is possible to detect an enlarged lymph node or one of the other conditions that can affect the armpit by observing and palpating (feeling) the armpit. Other conditions that can affect the armpit include:
• Axillary lymph node biopsy: The term 'axillary lymph node biopsy' refers to a medical procedure in which a lymph node is removed from the armpit in its entirety or in part and then examined under a microscope, typically with the intention of determining whether or not cancer is present
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is carried out by using a device that is positioned on the surface of the patient's skin in order to cause high-frequency sound waves to reflect off of the structures that are located in the armpit. The signals are converted into images, which are then displayed on a video screen. This provides medical professionals with the ability to observe an internal view of the structures of the body.
• Computed tomography (CT scan): A computed tomography (CT) scan requires the use of a machine that takes a series of X-ray images, which is referred to as a CT scanner. After that, a computer uses the X-rays to create images of the armpit and the structures that are located nearby.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): An MRI scan, which is another name for magnetic resonance imaging, is a diagnostic procedure that uses a strong magnet and a computer to produce detailed images of the armpit and the areas of the body that are adjacent to it. These images are used to diagnose medical conditions.
• SERUM calcium test: A vitamin D test determines whether or not your body has sufficient vitamin D by measuring the amount of vitamin D present in your blood. a serum calcium test. Vitamin D is beneficial to the bones as well as the teeth. It helps to keep the muscles, the immune system, and the nervous system in good health.
• Serum Urea and creatinine: serum Urea and creatinine id used to determine the nitrogenous substances that are produced by the metabolism. The production of urea is helped along by both the breakdown of proteins in the cells and the breakdown of proteins in the diet. Crystals begin to form inside of the bone, which leads to a reduction in the density of the bone.
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody: Antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide, also known as anti-CCP antibodies: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by levels that are typically elevated; however, levels can also be elevated in other rheumatologic diseases associated with inflammatory arthritis, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• RA Factor: a blood test can determine whether or not a person has rheumatoid factor in their system (RF). An autoantibody called rheumatoid factor is produced by the immune system. Autoantibodies such as RF attack healthy cells and tissues rather than the pathogenic microbes and viruses they are designed to neutralise.
• CRP LEVELS: Previous studies on C-reactive protein (CRP) and bone mineral density (BMD) have generated conflicting results; however, higher levels of this inflammatory marker are associated with an increased risk of fracture.
• SERUM VIT D3: A blood test can tell you how much vitamin D is currently present in your body, allowing you to determine whether or not you are getting the optimal amount for your health. Vitamin D is absolutely necessary for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Regular exercise has many beneficial effects on health and well-being, including the maintenance of strong muscles, nerves, and an efficient immune system.
• Computed tomography (CT scan)1: The dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is the method that is used the most frequently and offers the results that are the most reliable. Imaging with DEXA makes use of x-rays with a low dose.
• Bone mineral density (BMD): B.M.D is a test which is used by physicians to determine the amount of calcium and other types of minerals that are present in a specific area of your bone. With the help of this test, your doctor can diagnose osteoporosis and determine the likelihood of you sustaining a bone fracture in the near future.

• Axillary lymph node dissection: Axillary lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of lymph nodes from the armpit (axilla). It is typically performed to stage breast cancer and to determine the extent of the disease.
• Botulinum toxin injection (Botox): Injections of Botox into the sweat glands located under the arms are one therapy option for hyperhidrosis, the medical condition that causes excessive sweating.
• Incision and drainage: In most cases, a doctor will need to use a knife to open and drain an abscess located beneath the armpit.
• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy: The nerves that are responsible for sweating can be severed during hyperhidrosis surgery. When therapy is successful, there is often a significant decrease in the amount of sweat that occurs beneath the arms.
• Skin tag removal: A doctor can remove skin tags in a variety of methods, such as by cutting them off with a knife or scissors, burning them with an electrocautery device, tying them off with thread, or freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Skin tags can also be removed by tying them off with thread.

• Skin moisturizers: Because dry skin makes many skin disorders worse, moisturising the skin can be beneficial in treating a variety of armpit issues. Dry skin makes many skin conditions worse. Some of the skin moisturisers which are used can be petroleum jelly, lacto calamine solution, topical solution of glycerin etc.
• Topical steroids: Topical cortisone creams and ointments are available to treat skin irritation. Underarm discomfort and irritation can be alleviated by using topical steroids. Betamethasone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, etc. are all examples of topical steroids used to treat rashes and speed healing.
• Antiperspirant: One treatment option for hyperhidrosis, the medical disease that results in excessive sweating, is to administer injections of Botox into the sweat glands that are found under the arms. Some of the antiperspirants used by both men and women include eucalyptus oil coconut oil mixed with alcohol and also Aluminium chlorohydrate , aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex dine.
• Topical antifungals: Armpit fungus, notably Candida, can be treated topically using antifungal creams and ointments, especially those that target Candida. Some of the frequently used topical antifungal Sertaconazole Miconazole etc.