What do you call the area between your forearm and bicep?

September 27, 2025 •

2 min read

The hollow area located on the inside of your elbow is one of the most frequently used sites for blood draws and intravenous injections. Medically, this crucial region is known as the cubital fossa, or sometimes the antecubital fossa, and is a vital passageway for nerves and blood vessels between the upper arm and forearm.

Quick Summary

The area between your forearm and bicep is called the cubital fossa, also known as the antecubital fossa, an anatomically significant depression on the anterior surface of the elbow joint. It serves as a vital transition point for major nerves and blood vessels passing to and from the forearm.

Key Points

Anatomical Terminology: The area between your forearm and bicep is medically known as the cubital fossa or antecubital fossa.
Vital Crossroads: This region is a crucial passageway for major nerves and blood vessels.
Borders and Contents: The fossa contains the median nerve, brachial artery, and biceps tendon, defined by muscular borders,.
Clinical Importance: Its superficial veins are ideal for drawing blood and IVs.
Medical Procedures: The brachial artery is used for blood pressure and pulse checks.
Injury Risk: Elbow trauma can impact the vital structures within the cubital fossa.

Understanding the Cubital Fossa

The cubital fossa is a triangular depression located on the anterior side of the elbow joint. This anatomical space serves as a critical conduit for essential structures connecting the upper arm and forearm, including major nerves and blood vessels. For healthcare professionals, understanding its medical designation is vital, especially when performing procedures like blood draws (venipuncture) and measuring blood pressure.

Anatomy: Borders and Contents

The cubital fossa is defined by specific borders and contains key structures:

Superior Border: An imaginary line between the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus.
Lateral Border: The medial edge of the brachioradialis muscle.
Medial Border: The lateral edge of the pronator teres muscle.
Roof: Formed by skin, superficial fascia, and the bicipital aponeurosis.
Floor: Composed of the brachialis and supinator muscles.

Key contents within this space include the median nerve, brachial artery (which divides into radial and ulnar arteries), the biceps brachii tendon, and nearby radial nerve branches,.

Clinical Significance

The cubital fossa is essential for medical procedures due to its accessibility. The median cubital vein is a common site for venipuncture and IV insertion,. The brachial artery is used for manual blood pressure measurement and checking the brachial pulse.

Cubital Fossa vs. Antecubital Fossa

Both terms refer to the same area. "Antecubital" indicates its position "in front of" the elbow. They are often used interchangeably.

Comparing Arm Anatomy

The cubital fossa is distinct from other arm regions:


Feature	Location	Key Function	Clinical Relevance
Cubital Fossa	Anterior elbow crease	Passageway for nerves and vessels	Venipuncture, blood pressure measurement, palpation of brachial pulse	,
Cubital Tunnel	Posterior medial elbow	Passageway for the ulnar nerve	Common site for nerve compression
Upper Arm	From shoulder to elbow	Primarily contains the biceps and triceps muscles	Muscle strain, tendonitis, fracture risk	,
Forearm	From elbow to wrist	Contains muscles for wrist and finger movement	Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries

Conditions and Injuries

Trauma can affect the cubital fossa's structures. Supracondylar fractures, especially in children, can damage nerves and blood vessels, potentially causing complications like Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. Infections from procedures are rare risks.

Conclusion

The cubital fossa is a critical anatomical area at the elbow crease, serving as a vital junction for nerves and blood vessels. Its importance in medical procedures highlights the need to understand its anatomy. For more details, see {Link: Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/cubital-fossa}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cubital fossa is on the front of the elbow, while the cubital tunnel is on the back and inner side, housing the ulnar nerve.

It contains the median cubital vein, a large and easily accessible vein for venipuncture.

Yes, you can feel the brachial pulse medial to the biceps tendon.

It's a sheet reinforcing the fossa's roof, protecting nerves and arteries.

The median nerve passes through, and the radial nerve branches nearby. The ulnar nerve is in the cubital tunnel.

Elbow trauma, like fractures, can damage nerves and vessels.

Yes, they refer to the same area in front of the elbow.