Upper limb
Pectoral nerves (Lateral and medial)
Nervi pectorales (lateralis et medialis)
- Origin
- Lateral pectoral nerve from lateral cord (C5–C7); medial pectoral nerve from medial cord (C8–T1), interconnected by the ansa pectoralis
- Insertion
- Pierce clavipectoral fascia and pectoralis minor to supply pectoralis major and pectoralis minor
- Function
- Motor innervation to pectoralis major (clavicular and sternocostal heads) and pectoralis minor
- Innervation
- Pure motor nerves to anterior chest wall musculature
- Movement & chain
- Power powerful humeral adduction, horizontal flexion, and medial rotation
- Palpation
- Not palpable through pectoralis major bulk
- Clinical
- Injury during axillary clearance leads to denervation and atrophy of pectoralis major; relevant in subpectoral breast implant surgery
- Segmental innervation
- C5–T1 spinal segments
- In clinical practice
- Target of PECS I and PECS II regional fascial plane blocks providing superior analgesia for breast surgery
- Region in the model
- Upper limb