pectoralnerve

The pectoral nerves are a pair of nerves that arise from the brachial plexus and innervate the pectoral muscles in the chest. The lateral pectoral nerve, typically arising from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, innervates the pectoralis major muscle. The medial pectoral nerve, originating from the medial cord, innervates both the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. These nerves are crucial for movements of the shoulder and arm, particularly in pushing and adducting the arm.

The pectoralis major muscle is a large, fan-shaped muscle that forms the bulk of the chest musculature. It is responsible for adducting, medially rotating, and extending the arm at the shoulder joint. The pectoralis minor muscle is a smaller muscle located beneath the pectoralis major. It acts to depress, protract, and rotate the scapula downward.

Damage to the pectoral nerves can result in weakness or paralysis of the pectoral muscles, leading to difficulty with arm movements. Such injuries can occur due to trauma, surgery in the chest or shoulder region, or conditions affecting the brachial plexus. Assessment of pectoral nerve function is often part of a neurological examination, and imaging techniques may be used to identify the cause of any dysfunction. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve physical therapy or surgical intervention.