Identify the lateral thoracic artery and serratus anterior muscle. (G 6.24;N 414;Gl 24.34B)
- Clean the fat and fascia from the lateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle.
- Identify the costal attachments of the serratus anterior muscle.
- Identify the lateral thoracic artery emerging from the lateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle. Trace this artery back to the axillary artery. Remove any branches of the accompanying vein (lateral thoracic vein).
- Do not dissect the brachial plexus or axilla at this time.
Important Relationship
The lateral thoracic artery is positioned lateral to the pectoralis minor muscle.
