It lies anteriorly to the elbow (antecubital) (Latin cubitus) when in standard anatomical position.

[2] The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures (from lateral to medial): 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.

From lateral to medial, the order of the contents within the cubital fossa can be described by the acronym TAN: tendon, artery, nerve Like other flexion surfaces of large joints (groin, popliteal fossa, armpit and essentially the anterior part of the neck), it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount of lymph nodes.

The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for venous access (phlebotomy) in procedures such as injections and obtaining samples for blood tests.

[2] Statistically, the antecubital fossa is the least tender region for peripheral intravenous access, although it provides a greater risk for venous thrombosis.