Deltopectoral groove

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== Deltopectoral Groove ==

The deltopectoral groove is an anatomical feature of the human body, specifically located in the shoulder region. It is a groove or depression that lies between the deltoid muscle and the pectoralis major muscle. This groove is clinically significant as it serves as a landmark for various medical procedures and is a site where important neurovascular structures are located.

Anatomy

The deltopectoral groove is formed by the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle and the medial border of the deltoid muscle. The groove extends from the clavicle down to the upper part of the humerus.

Contents

The deltopectoral groove contains several important anatomical structures, including:

• The cephalic vein, which is a superficial vein of the upper limb.
• The deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery, which supplies blood to the deltoid muscle.
• The lateral pectoral nerve, which innervates the pectoralis major muscle.

Clinical Significance

The deltopectoral groove is an important landmark in various medical procedures, such as:

• Central venous catheter insertion, where the cephalic vein is accessed.
• Shoulder surgery, where the groove serves as a guide to avoid damaging neurovascular structures.
• Intramuscular injections, where the groove helps in identifying the correct site for injection.

Related Structures

• Deltoid muscle
• Pectoralis major muscle
• Cephalic vein
• Thoracoacromial artery
• Lateral pectoral nerve

See Also

• Anatomical terms of location
• Muscular system
• Shoulder anatomy