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.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|A nerve of the brachial plexus that innervates the pectoral muscles}}
+Medial Pectoral Nerve
-==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.
-The '''medial pectoral nerve''' is a significant component of the [[brachial plexus]], which is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord in the neck and supplies the upper limb. This nerve plays a crucial role in the innervation of the [[pectoralis major]] and [[pectoralis minor]] muscles, which are important for movements of the shoulder and arm.
-[[File:Brachial_plexus_schematic.png|thumb|right|300px|Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the medial pectoral nerve.]]
+==Anatomy==
+[[File:Brachial_plexus.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the medial pectoral nerve.]]
-==Anatomy==
+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.
-The medial pectoral nerve arises from the [[medial cord]] of the brachial plexus, which is formed by the anterior divisions of the lower trunk. It typically receives contributions from the [[C8]] and [[T1]] nerve roots. The nerve travels inferiorly and laterally, passing behind the first part of the [[axillary artery]].
 ===Course===
-The medial pectoral nerve pierces the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle and continues to supply the [[pectoralis major]] muscle. It often communicates with the [[lateral pectoral nerve]], forming a loop known as the "ansa pectoralis." This communication allows for coordinated innervation of the pectoral muscles.
+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===
-* '''Pectoralis Minor''': The medial pectoral nerve provides motor innervation to the pectoralis minor, a thin, triangular muscle located beneath the pectoralis major. This muscle assists in stabilizing the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall.
-* '''Pectoralis Major''': The nerve also innervates the lower part of the pectoralis major, a large, fan-shaped muscle that covers the upper part of the chest. This muscle is responsible for movements such as adduction and medial rotation of the humerus.
+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 primary function of the medial pectoral nerve is to facilitate the movement of the shoulder joint by controlling the pectoral muscles. These muscles are involved in various actions, including:
-* [[Adduction]] of the arm
+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.
-* [[Medial rotation]] of the arm
-* [[Flexion]] of the arm at the shoulder joint
 ==Clinical Significance==
-Injury to the medial pectoral nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoral muscles, leading to difficulties in performing actions such as pushing or lifting. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression by surrounding structures.
-===Surgical Considerations===
+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.
-During surgical procedures involving the axilla or breast, care must be taken to avoid damaging the medial pectoral nerve. Surgeons often identify and preserve this nerve to maintain the function of the pectoral muscles.
+[[File:Brachial_plexus_color.svg|thumb|left|Color-coded diagram of the brachial plexus, highlighting the medial pectoral nerve.]]
+==Related Structures==
+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==
+* [[Nerve injury]]
+* [[Shoulder joint]]
+* [[Muscle innervation]]
 [[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
-[[Category:Anatomy of the upper limb]]
+[[Category:Upper limb anatomy]]