What are the boundaries of the quadrilateral space?

The quadrilateral space is an anatomical region located in the shoulder area, specifically behind the humerus. The precise boundaries of the quadrilateral space are defined by the teres major muscle (inferiorly), the teres minor muscle (superiorly), the humeral neck (laterally), and the long head of the triceps brachii muscle (medially). This arrangement allows for important neurovascular structures, notably the axillary nerve and the posterior circumflex humeral artery, to pass through the space, making an understanding of these boundaries clinically significant.

Recognizing the correct anatomical structures and their placements is essential when considering issues like shoulder injuries or surgical approaches, as these boundaries play a critical role in the functional anatomy of the shoulder region. The other options do not accurately capture the correct components that delineate the quadrilateral space, often mixing other muscles or anatomical landmarks that do not belong to this specific region.