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AnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsMedial pectoral nerve
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AnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsMedial pectoral nerve

Medial pectoral nerve

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

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Structure of the brachial plexus, including the roots, trunks, cords and branches.
Medial pectoral nerve
Nervus pectoralis medialis
Synonyms: none

The medial pectoral nerve, also called the medial anterior thoracic nerve, is a branch of the medial cord of the brachial plexus. Upon originating, the nerve travels together with the axillary artery and vein, being located between them.

The medial pectoral nerve is solely a motor nerve. Its main function is to provide motor supply for the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the medial pectoral nerve.

Key facts about the medial pectoral nerve
Origin Medial cord of brachial plexus (C8, T1)
Branches Muscular branches
Supply Pectoralis major muscle, pectoralis minor muscle
Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Branches and innervation
  3. Clinical relations
    1. Medial pectoral nerve injury
  4. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

Medial pectoral nerve
Nervus pectoralis medialis
Synonyms: none

The medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1) arises as the lateral branch of the medial cord of the brachial plexus. It originates posterior to the axillary artery. Upon originating, the nerve runs anteriorly towards the pectoral muscles alongside the axillary vein and axillary artery. Before reaching the inferior margin of the pectoralis minor muscle, the nerve receives a communicating branch from the lateral pectoral nerve making a nerve loop known as ansa pectoralis.

The nerve partially terminates by penetrating the pectoralis minor muscle. Some fibers emerge from the lateral aspect of the muscle and continue towards the pectoralis major muscle to supply it.

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Branches and innervation

Pectoralis major muscle
Musculus pectoralis major
1/2
Synonyms: none

As mentioned previously, the medial pectoral nerve gives off two sets of muscular branches; one for supplying the pectoralis minor, and the other for supplying a portion of the pectoralis major.

This specific part of the pectoralis major functions to extend the arm at the shoulder from a flexed position. Therefore, the injury of this nerve commonly leads to the inability to elevate the shoulder.

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Clinical relations

Medial pectoral nerve injury

The medial pectoral nerve is usually injured the direct trauma to the axillary region. Additionally, it can be injured iatrogenically, during surgical procedures in this region (e.g. breast surgery, axillary node dissection). The clinical presentation depends on the level of nerve injury. Usually, the patients complain about pain in the chest wall or the inability to elevate the shoulder. The diagnosis is best established by imaging procedures such as MRI and electrodiagnostic testing procedures. Treatment is usually conservative or surgical.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References

  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Maldonado KA, Tadi P. Anatomy, Thorax, Medial Pectoral Nerves. [Updated 2020 Nov 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...

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