The pectoral fascia: anatomical and histological study.
OBJECTIVE
Analysis of the pectoral fascia from a macroscopic and histological point of view.


RESULTS
The pectoral fascia appears as a thin collagen layer (mean thickness of 297 microm) formed by undulated collagen fibres and many elastic fibres, within which small nerves are highlighted. Numerous septa detach from its internal surface, creating an intimate connection between the fascia and the pectoralis major muscle.


CONCLUSIONS
The pectoral fascia and the pectoralis major muscle should be considered together, given that the anatomical base is effectively a myofascial unit, term that defines the muscles and the fascia of a specific region that have a precise functional organization. The capacity of force transmission between the inferior and superior limbs needs to be attributed to this entire myofascial complex. We hypothesize that the superficial, large muscles of the trunk developed inside the superficial layer of the deep fascia to enhance modulation of tension transmission between the different segments of the body.
Stecco
Antonio
A
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Italy.
Masiero
Stefano
S
Macchi
Veronica
V
Stecco
Carla
C
Porzionato
Andrea
A
De Caro
Raffaele
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000784:Aortic Dissection; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013249:Sternum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology