A Cadaveric Study on Morphology and Morphometry of Pectoralis Major Muscle

Abstract

Background: The Pectoralis Major (PM) muscle is considered one of the key anatomical structures in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective is to study the morphology of PM along with a thorough assessment of its dimensions and to note any other anatomic variations. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out on 30 upper limb specimens (Right 15 & Left 15) of both sexes available in the department of anatomy. The morphometric analysis at the origin and insertion was done and the muscle was thoroughly observed for any other anatomical variations. Results: We observed that the entire length of the clavicle gave origin to the clavicular head in 6.6% of the specimens and the deltopectoral groove was absent in 6.6% of the cases. 66.6% of the specimens showed the continuation of the pectoralis muscle at its insertion along with the brachial fascia. In 3.3% of the cases, the three heads of the pectoralis major were not distinguishable. The mean height at the midclavicular line was found to be 13.8 cm and at the midaxillary line, it was found to be 6.6 cm. The average width was found to be 18.7cm at the origin. The average length at the insertion was found to be 4.8 cm and the height was found to be 0.89cm. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding pectoralis major is imperative for surgeons in performing surgeries in the pectoral region, especially the surgeries involving the mammary gland.