Accessory lateral pectoral nerves supplying the pectoralis major

Abstract

Certain surgical treatment failures of the brachial plexus lesions are due to the presence of anatomical variations. Anatomical knowledge of the pectoral nerves is of clinical importance during mastectomy, neurotization or other surgical procedures in the axilla. The present case describes three nerves arising from the lateral cord of brachial plexus supplying the pectoralis major muscle one below the other which was observed during routine dissection for undergraduate students. Knowledge of certain variations as in the present case may be advantageous for cosmetic augmentations during radical mastectomy where pectoralis major can be preserved because of its additional nerve supply in the lower part.