Pectoralis Major, Anterior View

Description

Spanning the anterior thoracic wall, the pectoralis major is shown bilaterally with its broad medial attachments along the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages, then sweeping laterally toward the proximal humerus. The clavicular fibers arise superiorly from the medial clavicle, while the larger sternocostal portion descends and fans across the chest over the rib cage. Deep bony landmarks remain visible, including the sternum in the midline, ribs and costal margins laterally, and the clavicles superior to the muscle belly, with the scapulae and thoracic vertebrae providing posterior context through the skeletal framework. Muscle and bone are presented in clear anterior relationship. Clinically, this view helps you teach and plan around the pectoralis major’s tendon course to the lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus (crest of the greater tubercle), the site involved in common weightlifting injuries. Rupture typically occurs at the musculotendinous junction or humeral insertion during eccentric loading in the bench press, producing anterior axillary fold deformity and weakness in adduction and internal rotation. Surface anatomy matters here. The muscle’s sternal border and its lateral margin define landmarks used in mastectomy exposure, subpectoral implant placement, and pectoral nerve blocks. Use this artwork for gross anatomy and kinesiology modules covering shoulder girdle mechanics, for sports medicine and orthopedics teaching files on pectoralis major tears, and for surgical education materials that orient readers to the chest wall before axillary or breast approaches. It also fits textbook plates that need a clean correlation between the thoracic skeleton and the anterior chest musculature. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.