Mnemonics
a. Lateral is Less and Medial is More.
- Lateral pectoral nerve passes through and supplies one muscle.
- Medial pectoral nerve passes through and supplies two muscles.
b. Major receives 2 innervations and Minor receives 1 innervation.
Hence, Lateral pectoral nerve passes through and supplies Pectoralis major. Medial pectoral nerve passes through and supplies Pectoralis major and minor.
The lateral pectoral nerve and the medial pectoral nerve form a connection called the ansa pectoralis around the axillary artery.
| Lateral Pectoral Nerve | Medial Pectoral Nerve | |
| Origin | Lateral cord of brachial plexus (C5-C7) | Medial cord of brachial plexus (C8-T1) |
| Course | Posterior then medial to axillary artery | Anterior then lateral to axillary artery |
| Innervation | 1. Clavicular head of Pectoralis major (upper half) | 1. Sternocostal head of Pectoralis major (lower half) 2. Pectoralis minor |
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