Pectoral Fascia

fascia pectoralis

The pectoral fascia is the thin layer of deep fascia covering the front of pectoralis major. It attaches to the clavicle and sternum and continues laterally into the axillary fascia. The breast sits on it, separated by a loose layer called the retromammary space.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Over the anterior surface of pectoralis major, deep to the breast.
Boundaries	Clavicle above Sternum medially Continuous laterally with the axillary fascia Continuous inferiorly with the fascia of the abdominal wall

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Covers pectoralis major and provides a gliding plane under the breast.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Because the breast lies on the pectoral fascia, a cancer that has invaded it is fixed to the underlying muscle on examination. In mastectomy the fascia is usually removed with the breast. The retromammary plane between the breast and this fascia is the space used for subglandular breast implants.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Breast Cancer With Pectoral Fascia Invasion

Tumour spreading into the pectoral fascia makes the breast lump fixed to the chest wall, which affects staging and the extent of surgery.

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