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Posted by on Dec 31, 2015 in TellMeWhy |

What Is an Axilla?

What Is an Axilla?

The axilla (or armpit, underarm, or oxter) is the area on the human body directly under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder. It also provides the under-arm sweat gland.

The axilla (arm pit) is very important because many nerves pass through it. The nerves that pass through the axilla are known as the brachial plexus.

As with most medical terms, it arises from the Greek. It probably relates to the word “axis,” since it occurs at the joining of the arm and torso. The word is awfully dignified for its meaning.

Maxilla is the upper bone of the jaw (the mandible is the mobile, lower bone).

Content for this question contributed by Derrick Pettiti, resident of Livermore, Alameda County, California, USA