VH Dissector: Upper Limb: Pectoral Region

Begin with the Bones of the Pectoral Girdle.

Highlight the Clavicle . The Clavicle only bony attachment of the upper limb to the axial skeleton. It acts as a “strut” propping the shoulder away from the chest. It extends from the manubrium of the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. The medial 2/3rds of the body is convex anteriorly; the lateral 1/3rd is flattened and concave anteriorly. Fractures of the clavicle medial to the coracoclavicular ligament are common, especially in children. In children the fracture is often incomplete, i.e., a green stick fracture in which one cortex of the bone breaks and the opposite one bends.

Surface Anatomy of the Clavicle can be palpated throughout its entire length. Between the two medial elevations is the jugular notch of the manubrium. Be able to 1identify an isolated clavicle and its anatomical orientation as to right, left, anterior, and posterior surfaces, superior and inferior surfaces, etc.

Highlight the Scapula. Connects the clavicle to the humerus. The acromion process articulates with the distal end of the clavicle forming the acromioclavicular joint and the glenoid fossa articulates with the head of the humerus forming the glenohumeral joint. Rotate the 3D cadaver so you understand the Scapula's relationship to the thoracic cage.

Surface Anatomy of the Scapula 

Scapula a highly mobile bone that glides over the posterior surface of the thoracic cage. The acromion process is often referred to as the point of the shoulder. The acromion is important because it is the proximal point from which clinicians measure the length of the upper limb. The superior angle of the scapula lies at about the level of T2 vertebra; the inferior angle at the spinous process of T7 vertebra. The tip of the coracoid process can be palpated by pressing deeply just under the lateral border of the deltopectoral triangle.

The female breast  is situated on the anterior surface of the thorax, overlying the pectoral muscles. The mammary glands are accessory organs of the female reproductive system, located within the breasts. The amount of fat surrounding the glands determines the size of the breast. The breasts are usually described with the upper limb because they must be removed during dissection to study the pectoral muscles. Male mammary glands are normally rudimentary.

Begin with the Bones of the Pectoral Girdle

Add the Subclavius muscle, which has no real significant function in bipeds.

Add the Pectoralis Minor Muscle, which is surrounded by clavipectoral fascia.

Add the Pectoralis Major muscle.