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Nerve Chest

Medial Pectoral Nerve

nervus pectoralis medialis

The medial pectoral nerve, despite its name, supplies both pectoral muscles by first passing through or around the pectoralis minor to enter the pectoralis major from its deep surface. Preserving the medial and lateral pectoral nerves is important during subpectoral breast implant placement to maintain pectoralis major function and avoid nerve injury from compression or stretching during dissection.

Region: Chest
Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginMedial cord of the brachial plexus (C8, T1)
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Both pectoral nerves can be stretched during aggressive superior dissection in breast augmentation surgery, producing postoperative pectoralis major weakness and animation deformity when the implant moves with muscle contraction. The medial pectoral nerve is closer to the medial implant edge and most at risk during medial pocket dissection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pectoral Nerve Injury

Iatrogenic stretch or division during breast surgery producing pectoralis major weakness and animation deformity of the breast implant, managed with nerve-sparing surgical technique.

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