Anatomical Relations
The clavipectoral fascia occupies the space between the clavicle and the pectoralis minor muscle. Superficially, it is continuous with the pectoral fascia and is the medial continuation the subscapular fascia. Medially, it blends with the fascia over the first two intercostal spaces. The sheaths of the fascia split to envelope subclavius, pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and the short head of biceps brachii. The cephalic vein, thoracoacrominal artery and the lateral pectoral nerve pierce the fascia immediately superior to the upper border of the pectoralis minor in order to reach their targets.
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
The clavipectoral fascia is a sheet of loose connective tissue that thickens in certain places. Superiorly, the clavipectoral fascia is suspended from the anterior and posterior groove for the subclavius muscle on the clavicle and envelopes the muscles as it descends. The anterior and posterior sheaths of the fascia unite to form a strong fibrous membrane, the clavipectoral fascia, which descends between the subclavius and pectoralis minor muscle. At the pectoralis minor muscle, the fascia splits again to envelope the muscle. At the inferior border of the pectoralis minor, the two sheaths of fascia unite and become continuous with the suspensory ligament of the axilla. Laterally, the fascia is attached to the coracoid process and the coracoclavicular ligament.
Function
The clavipectoral fascia helps to suspend the floor of the axilla creating the axillary fossa (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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Clavipectoral Fascia
The lower portion of the clavipectoral fascia, located below the pectoralis minor muscle, is sometimes called the suspensory ligament of the axilla.
