This specimen preserves a dissection of the right thoracic wall, axilla, and the root of the neck.
Nerves: The medial pectoral nerves can be seen penetrating pectoralis minor, while the lateral pectoral nerve can be identified on the medial upper border of the pectoralis minor (one branch of which is reflected with the transected humeral portion of the pectoralis major). The cords of the brachial plexus can be identified around the 2nd part of the axillary artery. The major terminal nerves of the plexus (musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, radial and axillary nerves ) are all identifiable. The long thoracic nerve is visible lying on the surface of serratus anterior, as is the thoracodorsal nerve alongside the thoracodorsal artery as they descend to enter the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Vessels: Some of the branches of the subclavian artery (e.g., the transverse cervical and suprascapular arteries passing transversely across the root of the neck) can be clearly seen, however the subclavian artery itself is partly hidden from view as it crosses the first rib behind the insertion of scalenus anterior muscle. Most of the deep veins have been removed to expose branches of the three parts of the axillary artery, including the thoracoacromial artery and its branches, the lateral thoracic artery, thoracodorsal artery and the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
Muscles: The digitations of the serratus anterior muscle are clearly visible on the lateral chest wall. As mentioned above, the pectoralis major muscle is reflected to reveal the pectoralis minor which together form the anterior wall of the axilla. Posteriorly the large fan shaped latissimus dorsi is the most obvious muscle along with the teres major. When viewed posteriorly a few vertical fibers of trapezius can be seen, as can some descending fibers of the lower part of rhomboid major attaching to the medial border of the scapula. Below this the triangle of auscultation is clearly visible. The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles are also visible.
Watch a video about the anatomy of this case here.
Click on the images to access the viewer: (you may be asked for your credentials upon the first login)
© All rights reserved. All the material is property of SECTRA AB and is protected by applicable copyright law. The reproduction of this material is only allowed for educational and demonstrative purposes. Any other reproduction or unauthorized commercialization is prohibited and punished by applicable intellectual property law.