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The cubital fossa, antecubital fossa, chelidon, inside of elbow, or, humorously, wagina, is the area on the anterior side of the upper part between the arm and forearm of a human or other hominid animals. It lies to the elbow (antecubital) (Latin cubitus) when in standard anatomical position. The cubital fossa is a triangular area having three borders.
The ulnar nerve is also in the area, but is not in the cubital fossa; it occupies a groove on the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Several veins are also in the area (for example, the median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and basilic vein) but these are usually considered superficial to the cubital fossa, and not part of its contents.
From lateral to medial, the order of the contents within the cubital fossa can be described by the acronym TAN: tendon, artery, nerve
During blood pressure measurements, the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. The artery runs medial to the biceps tendon. The brachial pulse may be palpated in the cubital fossa just medial to the tendon.
The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for Vein access (phlebotomy) in procedures such as injections and obtaining samples for . A number of superficial veins can cross this region. It may also be used for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Historically, during bloodletting, the bicipital aponeurosis (the ceiling of the cubital fossa) was known as the "grace of God tendon" because it separated and protected the more important contents of the fossa such as the brachial artery and the median nerve.
Statistically, the antecubital fossa is the least tender region for peripheral intravenous access, although it provides a greater risk for venous thrombosis.
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