Clavipectoral fascia
The clavipectoral fascia is a sheet of loose connective tissue which is the deep layer of fascia in the pectoral region. It acts to suspend the floor of the axilla.
Gross anatomy
The clavipectoral fascia lies below the clavicular head of the pectoralis major. It fills in the space between the clavicle and the pectoralis minor. Between the 1st rib and the coracoid process of the scapula, the fascia is thickened to form the costocoracoid ligament.
Attachments
- lateral
- medial
- first costal cartilage
- external intercostal membrane of first two intercostal spaces
- superior
- subclavian groove
- inferior
- continuous with suspensory ligament of axillary fascia
- deep
- extends in continuity with axillary sheath
- superficial
- deep fascia of pectoralis major
Traversing structures
The clavipectoral fascia is pieced by the following structures:
- lateral pectoral nerve
- thoracoacromial artery
- cephalic vein
- lymphatic vessels passing between infraclavicular and apical nodes of axilla