What nerves innervate the medial and lateral pectoral muscles?

The medial and lateral pectoral muscles are specifically innervated by the pectoral nerves. The medial pectoral nerve primarily innervates the pectoralis minor and also contributes to the innervation of the pectoralis major. In contrast, the lateral pectoral nerve predominantly innervates the pectoralis major.

Understanding the anatomy of these nerves is crucial in clinical practice. If there is an injury or dysfunction in either the medial or lateral pectoral nerve, it can lead to weaknesses in movements that involve the shoulder and arm, highlighting the importance of proper innervation for functional upper limb activity. The other nerves listed play different roles: the long thoracic nerve primarily innervates the serratus anterior muscle, the thoracodorsal nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi, and the suprascapular nerve primarily innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Therefore, the pectoral nerve specifically reflects the direct neural source for the medial and lateral pectoral muscles.