It is a triangular depression on the radial side of the dorsum (back) of the hand.
Boundaries-
• Medial (ulnar) border- EPL (Extensor Pollcis Longus)
• Lateral (radial) border- EPB (Extensor Pollicis Brevis) and APL (Abductor Pollicis Longus)
• Floor- Scaphoid and trapezium bones
Content-
• Radial nerve
• Radial artery
• Cephalic vein
Figure - Anatomical snuff box boundaries
Clinical anatomy-
De Quervain syndrome:
• It is an inflammation of the tendons in the first extensor compartment, which includes both the APL and EPB tendons.
• This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb.
NOTE: Anatomical snuff box is present on extensor side so flexor tendon doesn’t form the boundary of anatomical snuff box.
NOTE: In medical term thumb is called pollicis.
Figure - APL, EPB, EPL attachment
Attachment of the tendons that form the boundary of the anatomical snuff box-
1. Extensor pollicis longus (EPL): attach on base of distal phalanx of thumb.
2. Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB): attach on base of proximal phalanx of thumb.
3. Abductor pollicis longus (APL): attach on base of 1st metacarpal.