1. It is a triangular depression on the radial side of the dorsum (back) of the hand.
2. 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
3. Content-
• Radial nerve
• Radial artery
• Cephalic vein
4. Clinical- 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.
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.
