Medial Pectoral Nerve, Anterior View

Description

Prominent on the anterior thoracic wall, the medial pectoral nerve courses from the brachial plexus toward the deep surface of pectoralis major, then passes through pectoralis minor on its way to the pectoral musculature. Pectoralis minor lies deep and inferior to pectoralis major, attaching from ribs 3 to 5 to the coracoid process, while the clavicles and sternum form superior and medial bony landmarks with ribs sweeping laterally. Intercostal muscles occupy the interspaces, and the serratus anterior appears along the lateral thoracic cage with slips oriented posterolaterally. Color coding separates muscle, bone, and neural tissue cleanly. A clear map. Clinically, the medial pectoral nerve’s characteristic piercing of pectoralis minor matters when you are teaching pectoral innervation patterns or planning dissection and regional anesthesia in the axillary region. In mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, the nerve can be stretched or transected during mobilization near the pectoralis minor and its fascia, producing weakness in pectoralis major (sternocostal head) and altered anterior axillary fold contour. This anterior perspective also supports discussion of pectoralis minor tightness and its relationship to neurovascular crowding in the retropectoralis minor space during thoracic outlet evaluations. Ideal for gross anatomy labs, brachial plexus teaching sessions, and surgical education materials covering axillary approaches and chest wall innervation, this artwork also fits atlases and operative technique chapters where learners need a fast orientation to pectoralis major and minor layers and the medial pectoral nerve’s path through them. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.