Identify the thoracoacromial artery, axillary artery and the pectoral nerves. (G 2.26;N 415;Gl 28.34)
- Identify the proximal stump of an artery (medial side of the pectoralis minor) cut during reflection of the pectoralis major. This artery is a pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery.
- Identify the axillary artery. The thoracoacromial is a branch of the axillary artery.
- Identify the stump of the lateral pectoral nerve. This nerve passes superior to the axillary artery and enters the clavicular head of the pectoralis major.
- Identify the medial pectoral nerve piercing the pectoralis minor. This nerve passes inferior to the axillary artery.
Important Relationship
The thoracoacromial artery passes medial to the pectoralis minor muscle.
