The soft skin covering the lateral axilla contains manyhair andsweat glands. In humans, the formation ofbody odor happens mostly in the axilla.[1] These odorant substances have been suggested by some to serve aspheromones, which play a role related tomate selection, although this is a controversial topic within the scientific community.[2] The underarms seem more important than thepubic area for emitting body odor, which may be related to humanbipedalism.[3]
floor/base: by the skin[4] (visible surface of axilla)
The lower posterior boundary is called theposterior axillary fold and this is a compound structure consisting of thelatissimus dorsi andteres major muscles.[8] It can descend after weight loss.[9]
The anterior boundary is called theanterior axillary fold and this is rounded in shape and formed by the lower border of thepectoralis major. Some sources also include thepectoralis minor.[8] It can elongate after weight loss.[9]
The term "underarm" typically refers to the outer surface of the axilla. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts. Colloquially,underarm refers to the hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder.[10]
The underarm is a ticklish area due to the number of nerves it contains. Most people find this area to be particularly unpleasant whentickled.[citation needed]
In some modernWestern cultures, it is common for older women to remove underarm hair. Some view this practice as anaesthetic matter, while others view its removal for health-related concerns.[11] As underarm hair grows quickly, removal must be performed frequently, or stubble will appear in the axilla.
In most culture and scenes, women retain their underarm hair for a variety of reasons, from subversion to egalitarianism to comfort or for hygienic reason.[12] Conversely but uncommonly, some men choose to remove their underarm hair for aesthetic reasons or to reducefriction insports such asswimming.
Like other flexion surfaces of large joints (groin,popliteal fossa,cubital fossa and essentially the anterior part of theneck), it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount oflymph nodes.
Excessiveperspiration without adequate air circulation can result in axillaryintertrigo. Intertrigo is an inflammatoryskin condition of skin folds exposed to friction or maceration in the presence of heat and moisture.[14] Intertrigo is worsened by infection, usually fungal (Candida yeast species), but also bacterial or viral; warm, wet underarms promote those growths. The condition results in rash-like symptoms,pustules, or chronic itching or burning in the underarm.[14] Intertrigo (in any site) has no racial or sexual predilection.[14] Axillary intertrigo is common among those who work in hot environments where air circulation is restricted by necessary clothing or safety equipment.[15]
^Turkington, Carol; Dover, Jeffrey S. (2007).The encyclopedia of skin and skin disorders (3rd ed.). New York: Facts on File. p. 363.ISBN978-0-8160-6403-8.
^The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, Edited by Robin Dunbar and Louise Barret, Oxford University Press, 2007, Chapter 22 Body odours and body odour preferences in humans by Claus Wedekind
^Stingl, Josef; et al. (2012).Regional Anatomy. Prague: Galén. p. 95.ISBN978-80-7262-931-2.
^ablesson3axilla at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
^abHurwitz, D.; Neavin, T. (2007). "Body Contouring of the Arms and Brachioplasty".Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie.39 (3):168–72.doi:10.1055/s-2007-965236.PMID17602378.
