The Inferior Pectoral Artery, A New Definition

Abstract

The pectoralis major muscle receives its arterial supply from the A. thoracoacromialis, by its pectoral branch. But, the "terminal branch" entering the lowest neurovascular hilum of the muscle is usually separate and arises from the axillary artery at different levels, either independently or in common with other arteries such as A. thoracoacromialis or A. thoracica lateralis. Distally, the artery may send off various superficial branches, including the A. brachialis superficialis superior. The A. pectoralis inferior may be better described in these instances as to ramify as its first offshoot, especially if the last mentioned artery is well developed. Besides, the A. pectoralis inferior never ramifies from the deep artery of the arm. It has been verified, therefore, that the two arteries are interpreted identical to each other, and the A. pectoralis inferior should be regarded morphologically significant. It deserves a new definition.