A rare accessory muscle of the anterior thoracic wall

Natsis, Konstantinos; Totlis, Trifon

doi:10.1002/ca.20534

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…It is also possible that the muscle functions predominantly as a sensor, similar to what has been proposed for the sternalis and serratus posterior muscles [16, 17], perhaps more likely in the neonatal than adult context.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Identification and characterization of a potentially novel dorsal cutaneous muscle in rodents

Petruska

2024

Preprint

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In the course of performing a detailed dissection of adult rat to map the cutaneous nerves of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels a small and unexpected structure was isolated. It appeared to be a cutaneous striated muscle and was observed in both male and female rats and in mice but absent from cats and humans. With the skin reflected laterally from midline, the muscle lies closely apposed to the lateral border of the Thoracic Trapezius (Spinotrapezius) muscle and is easily missed in standard gross dissections. Focussed prosections were performed to identify the origin, insertion, and course of gross innervation. Identification of each of these elements showed them to be distinct from the nearby Trapezius and Cutaneous Trunci (Cutaneous Maximus in mouse) muscles. The striated muscle nature of the structure was validated with whole-mount microscopy. Consulting a range of published rodent anatomical atlases and gross anatomical experts revealed no prior descriptions. This preliminary report is an opportunity for the anatomical and research communities to provide input to either confirm the novelty of this muscle or refer to prior published descriptions in rodents or other species while the muscle, its innervation, and function are further characterized. Presuming this muscle is indeed novel, the name 'Cutaneous scapularis muscle' is proposed in accord with general principles of the anatomical field.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Identification and characterization of a potentially novel dorsal cutaneous muscle in rodents

Petruska

2024

Preprint

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“…Although it is often described as a “rare” variant [ 6 , 7 ], the appearance of M sternalis was documented as early as the 17th century [ 14 ], and its identification as a known anatomic variant is common through the early 20th century [ 10 , 13 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], after which it tends to appear only chiefly in case reports of unusual anatomic features. This may be because M sternalis appears to be of little clinical significance except for those who might encounter it in medical imaging or surgical professions [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The consensus on the muscle’s anatomic relations tends to shift, but current opinion seems mostly split between the Pectoralis major and the Rectus abdominis as potential sources for this muscle, based on its location, attachments, and innervation. The most disagreement seems to center on the innervation of this variant when it appears [ 10 , 13 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sarikçioğlu et al identified the anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerve 6 as supplying the M sternalis muscle [ 20 ]. Natsis and Totlis and Hung et al both identify the innervation as from a branch of intercostal nerve 2 [ 21 , 22 ]. Arráez-Aybar et al report a “neurovascular pedicle” in the mid-portion of the M sternalis arising from the anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerve 3 (and supplied by anterior intercostal arteries from the internal thoracic artery and vein) [ 23 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring Anatomic Variants to Enhance Anatomy Teaching: Musculus Sternalis

et al. 2020

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The opportunity to encounter and appreciate the range of human variation in anatomic structures—and its potential impact on related structures, function, and treatment—is one of the chief benefits of cadaveric dissection for students in clinical preprofessional programs. The dissection lab is also where students can examine unusual anatomic variants that may not be included in their textbooks, lab manuals, or other course materials. For students specializing in physical medicine, awareness and understanding of muscle variants has a practical relevance to their preparations for clinical practice. In a routine dissection of the superficial chest muscles, graduate students in a human gross anatomy class exposed a large, well-developed sternalis muscle. The exposure of this muscle generated many student questions about M sternalis: its prevalence and appearance, its function, its development, and its evolutionary roots. Students used an inquiry protocol to guide their searches through relevant literature to gather this information. Instructors developed a decision tree to assist students in their inquiries, both by helping them to make analytic inferences and by highlighting areas of interest needing further investigation. Answering these questions enriches the understanding and promotes “habits of mind” for exploring musculoskeletal anatomy beyond simple descriptions of function and structure.

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