Pectoral fascia: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:40, 13 February 2025

Pectoral Fascia[edit]

Illustration of the pectoral fascia and its surrounding structures.

The pectoral fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that envelops the pectoralis major muscle. It is an important anatomical structure in the thorax region, providing support and protection to the underlying muscles and tissues.

Anatomy[edit]

The pectoral fascia is continuous with the axillary fascia laterally and the clavipectoral fascia superiorly. It is attached to the sternum medially and extends laterally to blend with the fascia of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Inferiorly, it is continuous with the fascia of the abdominal wall.

Layers[edit]

The pectoral fascia is part of the superficial fascia of the thorax. It lies deep to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and superficial to the pectoralis major muscle. Beneath the pectoral fascia, the pectoralis minor muscle is found, covered by the clavipectoral fascia.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the pectoral fascia is to provide a protective layer over the pectoralis major muscle. It also serves as a site of attachment for the breast tissue in females and helps to maintain the structural integrity of the thoracic region.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The pectoral fascia is often involved in surgical procedures, such as mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for surgeons to avoid complications and ensure proper healing. It is also relevant in the spread of infections or malignancies within the thoracic region.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pectoral Fascia''' is a thin layer of tissue that envelops the [[Pectoralis major muscle|Pectoralis major]] and [[Pectoralis minor muscle|Pectoralis minor]] muscles in the chest. It is part of the [[Fascia|fascial]] system, which is a network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles, organs, and other structures in the body.
+== Pectoral Fascia ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Gray410.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the pectoral fascia and its surrounding structures.]]
-The term "Pectoral Fascia" is derived from the Latin words "pectus" which means chest, and "fascia" which means band. Thus, "Pectoral Fascia" can be translated as "chest band".
-==Structure==
+The '''pectoral fascia''' is a thin layer of connective tissue that envelops the [[pectoralis major]] muscle. It is an important anatomical structure in the [[thorax]] region, providing support and protection to the underlying muscles and tissues.
-The Pectoral Fascia is a thin, flat sheet of [[Connective tissue|connective tissue]] that is tightly bound to the underlying Pectoralis major muscle. It extends laterally to the [[Axilla|axillary]] fascia, and medially to the [[Sternum|sternum]]. It also extends superiorly to the [[Clavicle|clavicle]], and inferiorly to the [[Rectus sheath|rectus sheath]] of the [[Abdominal muscles|abdominal muscles]].
-==Function==
+== Anatomy ==
-The primary function of the Pectoral Fascia is to provide a smooth, slippery surface that allows the Pectoralis major and Pectoralis minor muscles to move freely against the surrounding tissues. It also helps to hold these muscles in place, and provides a pathway for nerves and blood vessels.
-==Clinical significance==
+The pectoral fascia is continuous with the [[axillary fascia]] laterally and the [[clavipectoral fascia]] superiorly. It is attached to the [[sternum]] medially and extends laterally to blend with the fascia of the [[latissimus dorsi]] muscle. Inferiorly, it is continuous with the fascia of the [[abdominal wall]].
-Abnormalities or injuries to the Pectoral Fascia can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including [[Fasciitis|fasciitis]], [[Myofascial pain syndrome|myofascial pain syndrome]], and [[Fibromyalgia|fibromyalgia]]. Treatment for these conditions may involve physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.
-==See also==
+=== Layers ===
-* [[Fascia]]
-* [[Pectoralis major muscle]]
-* [[Pectoralis minor muscle]]
-==References==
+The pectoral fascia is part of the superficial fascia of the thorax. It lies deep to the [[skin]] and [[subcutaneous tissue]], and superficial to the [[pectoralis major]] muscle. Beneath the pectoral fascia, the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle is found, covered by the clavipectoral fascia.
-<references />
-{{stub}}
+=== Function ===
+The primary function of the pectoral fascia is to provide a protective layer over the pectoralis major muscle. It also serves as a site of attachment for the [[breast]] tissue in females and helps to maintain the structural integrity of the thoracic region.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The pectoral fascia is often involved in surgical procedures, such as [[mastectomy]] and [[breast reconstruction]]. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for surgeons to avoid complications and ensure proper healing. It is also relevant in the spread of infections or malignancies within the thoracic region.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Pectoralis major]]
+* [[Pectoralis minor]]
+* [[Clavipectoral fascia]]
+* [[Axillary fascia]]
+* [[Thorax]]
 [[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Musculoskeletal system]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]