The key difference between pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia is that pectoral fascia is a thin fascia covering the anterior aspect or the surface of the pectoralis major muscle, while clavipectoral fascia is a strong fascia situated under the cover of the clavicular portion of the pectoralis major muscle.
Fascia is a very important band of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle throughout the body. Fascia specifically provides internal structure and has nerves. This makes it as sensitive as skin. When the fascia is stressed, it tightens up. Pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia are two different types of fascia.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pectoral Fascia
3. What is Clavipectoral Fascia
4. Similarities – Pectoral Fascia and Clavipectoral Fascia
5. Pectoral Fascia vs Clavipectoral Fascia in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Pectoral Fascia vs Clavipectoral Fascia
What is Pectoral Fascia?
The pectoral fascia is situated in a superficial layer that covers the subcutaneous tissue above the pectoralis major muscle. It is a thin lamina connective tissue anchored firmly to the pectoralis major muscle by numerous fasciculi. Structurally, it is attached to the front of the sternum or breast bone and attached above to the clavicle. Laterally and below, it is continuous with the fascia of the shoulder, axilla, and thorax. The pectoral fascia is usually thinner over the upper part of the pectoralis major muscle and thicker in the interval between a pectoral fascia and the latissimus dorsi.
Pectoral fascia appears as a thin collagen layer of 297 µm thickness. It is made of undulated collagen fibres and many elastin fibres. Small nerves are highlighted within the pectoral fascia. The function of the pectoral fascia includes force transmission between the inferior and superior limbs that helps movement.
Figure 01: Pectoral Fascia and Clavipectoral Fascia
What is Clavipectoral Fascia?
The clavipectoral fascia is a sheet of loose connective tissue. It is a deep layer of fascia in the pectoral region. The clavipectoral fascia is below the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle. It helps to suspend the floor of the axilla. Clavipectoral fascia fills in the space between the clavicle (collar bone) and the pectoralis minor muscle.
Clavipectoral fascia is attached laterally to the coracoid process and coracoclavicular ligament, attached medially to the first costal cartilage and external intercostal membrane of the first two intercostal spaces and attached superiorly to the subclavian groove. Moreover, it is continuous inferiorly with the suspensory ligament of axillary fascia, extends deeply in continuity with axillary sheath, and is located superficially as the deep fascia of the pectoralis major muscle. Furthermore, the function of the clavipectoral fascia is to permit the gliding of the pectoralis major muscle over the pectoralis minor muscle.
What are the Similarities Between Pectoral Fascia and Clavipectoral Fascia?
- Pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia are two different types of fasciae.
- Both are connective tissues.
- They contain collagen and elastin fibres.
- Both have different attachments to different parts of the body.
- They play a pivotal role in smooth movement in adjacent structures.
What is the Difference Between Pectoral Fascia and Clavipectoral Fascia?
The pectoral fascia is a thin fascia covering the anterior aspect or the surface of the pectoralis major muscle, while clavipectoral fascia is a strong fascia situated under the cover of the clavicular portion of the pectoralis major muscle. Thus, this is the key difference between pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia. Furthermore, the pectoral fascia is located in a superficial layer, while clavipectoral fascia is located in a deep layer.
The infographic below presents the differences between pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Pectoral Fascia vs. Clavipectoral Fascia
Fascia wraps around and supports every structure in the body, including organs, muscles, bones, and tissue. Pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia are two different types of fascia in the human body. The pectoral fascia is situated in a superficial layer that covers the subcutaneous tissue above the pectoralis major muscle. Clavipectoral fascia is a strong, loose connective tissue located under the cover of the clavicular portion of the pectoralis major muscle. So, this summarizes the difference between pectoral fascia and clavipectoral fascia.
Reference:
1. Stecco A; Masiero S; Macchi V; Stecco C; Porzionato A; De Caro R; “The Pectoral Fascia: Anatomical and Histological Study.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2.“Clavipectoral Fascia – An Overview.” ScienceDirect Topics.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Grant 1962 14” (Public Domain) via Picryl