Pectoral nerve

Pectoral Nerves

The pectoral nerves and their branches.

The Pectoral Nerves are a group of nerves in the human body that innervate the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles in the chest. They are derived from the brachial plexus, specifically from the anterior rami of the fifth, sixth, and seventh cervical nerves.

Anatomy

The pectoral nerves consist of the lateral and medial pectoral nerves. The lateral pectoral nerve, also known as the lateral anterior thoracic nerve, arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and through it from the fifth and sixth cervical nerves. The medial pectoral nerve, also known as the medial anterior thoracic nerve, arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and through it from the eighth cervical and first thoracic nerves.

Function

The pectoral nerves supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, which are responsible for the movement of the shoulder joint. The lateral pectoral nerve primarily innervates the clavicular head of the pectoralis major, while the medial pectoral nerve innervates both the pectoralis minor and the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pectoral nerves can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoralis muscles, leading to limited movement of the shoulder. This can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, or nerve disorders such as brachial plexopathy.

See also

• Nervous system
• Brachial plexus
• Pectoralis major muscle
• Pectoralis minor muscle