Structure
The pectoral fascia is a thin collagenous layer of fascia, rich in elastic fibers, that envelopes the pectoralis major muscle. It is firmly attached to this muscle by numerous intermuscular septa between the fasciculi of the muscle.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The pectoral fascia arises as two laminae that envelopes the pectoralis major muscle. Superiorly, the superficial lamina is continuous with the superficial investing cervical fascia, while the deep lamina arises from the periosteum of the clavicle. Medially, the deep lamina attaches to the sternum, while the superficial lamina blends with the pectoral fascia from the contralateral side. Laterally, the pectoral fascia is continuous with the deltoid fascia and sends some fibrous expansions to the brachial fascia. Inferiorly, the pectoral fascia blends with the fibers of the rectus sheath (Stecco et al., 2009).
The pectoral fascia forms the roof of the infraclavicular fossa, the surface indentation immediately inferior to the clavicle, between the deltoid muscle laterally and the midclavicular line medially. At the lateral border of pectoralis major, the pectoral fascia continues as the axillary fascia.
Function
The connection between the pectoral fascia in the trunk and the deltoid and brachial fascia in the upper limb permits accurate transmission of myofascial forces from the trunk to the limbs. Additionally, since the pectoral fascia between the right and left sides is interlinked, it allows the pectoralis major muscles on both the right and left sides modulate their contractions to generate balance in the trunk (Stecco et al., 2009).
References
Stecco, A., Masiero, S., Macchi, V., Stecco, C., Porzionato, A. and De Caro, R. (2009) 'The pectoral fascia: anatomical and histological study', J Bodyw Mov Ther, 13(3), pp. 255-61.
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Fascia
A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
