What is the muscles connecting the upper extremity to the anterior and lateral thoracic walls?

Gray’s Anatomy (1918) describes the muscles connecting the upper extremity to the anterior and lateral thoracic walls as follows: The muscles of the anterior and lateral thoracic regions are: Pectoralis major.

What it is

  • The muscles of the anterior and lateral thoracic regions are: Pectoralis major. Subclavius. Pectoralis minor. Serratus anterior. Superficial Fascia. —The superficial fascia of the anterior thoracic region is continuous with that of the neck and upper extremity above, and of the abdomen below. It encloses the mamma and gives off numerous septa which pass into the gland, supporting its various lobes.
  • From the fascia over the front of the mamma, fibrous processes pass forward to the integument and papilla; these were called by Sir A. Cooper the ligamenta suspensoria.

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Last verified: 2026-07-18

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