Medial pectoral nerve: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025

Medial Pectoral Nerve

The medial pectoral nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus that innervates the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. It plays a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder joint.

Anatomy[edit]

The medial pectoral nerve arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus, which is derived from the anterior divisions of the lower trunk. It typically contains fibers from the C8 and T1 spinal nerves.

Course[edit]

The nerve travels inferiorly and laterally, passing between the axillary artery and vein. It then pierces the pectoralis minor muscle to reach the pectoralis major.

Innervation[edit]

The medial pectoral nerve provides motor innervation to the pectoralis minor and the lower part of the pectoralis major. It is responsible for movements such as adduction and medial rotation of the arm.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the medial pectoral nerve is to facilitate the movement of the shoulder joint by innervating the pectoral muscles. These muscles are involved in actions such as pushing and lifting.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injury to the medial pectoral nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoral muscles, affecting shoulder movement. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression.

Related Structures[edit]

The medial pectoral nerve is closely associated with other branches of the brachial plexus, including the lateral pectoral nerve, which also innervates the pectoralis major.

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-'''Medial Pectoral Nerve''' is a nerve that originates from the [[medial cord]] of the [[brachial plexus]] and supplies the [[pectoralis major]] and [[pectoralis minor]] muscles.
+Medial Pectoral Nerve
-==Etymology==
+The '''medial pectoral nerve''' is a branch of the [[brachial plexus]] that innervates the [[pectoralis major]] and [[pectoralis minor]] muscles. It plays a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder joint.
-The term "Medial Pectoral Nerve" is derived from the Latin words 'medius' meaning middle, 'pectoralis' meaning of the chest, and 'nervus' meaning nerve. Thus, the term literally translates to 'the nerve of the middle chest'.
 ==Anatomy==
-The Medial Pectoral Nerve arises from the [[medial cord]] of the [[brachial plexus]] and usually carries fibers from the eighth cervical and first thoracic spinal nerves ([[C8]], [[T1]]). It passes behind the first part of the [[axillary artery]] and the lower part of the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle to reach the [[pectoralis major]] muscle.
+[[File:Brachial_plexus.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the medial pectoral nerve.]]
+The medial pectoral nerve arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus, which is derived from the anterior divisions of the lower trunk. It typically contains fibers from the C8 and T1 spinal nerves.
+===Course===
+The nerve travels inferiorly and laterally, passing between the axillary artery and vein. It then pierces the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle to reach the [[pectoralis major]].
+===Innervation===
+The medial pectoral nerve provides motor innervation to the pectoralis minor and the lower part of the pectoralis major. It is responsible for movements such as adduction and medial rotation of the arm.
 ==Function==
-The Medial Pectoral Nerve supplies both the [[pectoralis major]] and [[pectoralis minor]] muscles. It provides motor innervation to these muscles, enabling movements of the shoulder and chest.
+The primary function of the medial pectoral nerve is to facilitate the movement of the shoulder joint by innervating the pectoral muscles. These muscles are involved in actions such as pushing and lifting.
 ==Clinical Significance==
-Damage to the Medial Pectoral Nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoral muscles, affecting the movement of the shoulder and chest. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or conditions such as [[brachial plexus neuropathy]].
-==Related Terms==
+Injury to the medial pectoral nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoral muscles, affecting shoulder movement. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression.
-* [[Brachial Plexus]]
-* [[Pectoralis Major]]
+[[File:Brachial_plexus_color.svg|thumb|left|Color-coded diagram of the brachial plexus, highlighting the medial pectoral nerve.]]
-* [[Pectoralis Minor]]
-* [[Medial Cord]]
+==Related Structures==
-* [[Axillary Artery]]
+The medial pectoral nerve is closely associated with other branches of the brachial plexus, including the [[lateral pectoral nerve]], which also innervates the pectoralis major.
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Brachial plexus]]
+* [[Pectoralis major]]
+* [[Pectoralis minor]]
+* [[Lateral pectoral nerve]]
+[[File:Nerves_of_the_left_upper_extremity.gif|thumb|right|Nerves of the left upper extremity, including the medial pectoral nerve.]]
+==See Also==
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+* [[Nerve injury]]
-[[Category:Nervous System]]
+* [[Shoulder joint]]
-[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
+* [[Muscle innervation]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
+[[Category:Upper limb anatomy]]