open access

Vol 65, No 1 (2006)
Case report
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2005-12-05
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A case of an anomalous pectoralis major muscle

M. Loukas, G. South, R.G. Louis Jr., Q.A. Fogg, T. Davis
Folia Morphol 2006;65(1):100-103.

open access

Vol 65, No 1 (2006)
CASE REPORTS
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2005-12-05

Abstract

We present a case of a right sided accessory head of the pectoralis major muscle located inferior to its abdominal head. This variation was found during a routine anatomy dissection at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. The muscle fibres of the accessory head of the pectoralis major muscle arose from those of the serratus anterior muscle and travelled superolaterally towards the axilla. The accessory muscle terminated by fusing with the tendinous fibres of the pectoralis major muscle as they underwent their normal anatomical rotation before insertion upon the lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus. Although variations in the pectoral muscles are not uncommon, this case appears to be unique in the literature. The possible clinical implications are discussed.

Abstract

We present a case of a right sided accessory head of the pectoralis major muscle located inferior to its abdominal head. This variation was found during a routine anatomy dissection at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. The muscle fibres of the accessory head of the pectoralis major muscle arose from those of the serratus anterior muscle and travelled superolaterally towards the axilla. The accessory muscle terminated by fusing with the tendinous fibres of the pectoralis major muscle as they underwent their normal anatomical rotation before insertion upon the lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus. Although variations in the pectoral muscles are not uncommon, this case appears to be unique in the literature. The possible clinical implications are discussed.
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Keywords

anomalous pectoralis major muscle; pectoralis minor muscle; serratus anterior muscle; medial pectoral nerve; lateral thoracic artery; axillary arch

About this article
Title

A case of an anomalous pectoralis major muscle

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 65, No 1 (2006)

Article type

Case report

Pages

100-103

Published online

2005-12-05

Page views

800

Article views/downloads

2215

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2006;65(1):100-103.

Keywords

anomalous pectoralis major muscle
pectoralis minor muscle
serratus anterior muscle
medial pectoral nerve
lateral thoracic artery
axillary arch

Authors

M. Loukas
G. South
R.G. Louis Jr.
Q.A. Fogg
T. Davis

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