Clavipectoral fascia (anatomy)

The clavipectoral fascia is a deep layer of fascia in the pectoral regions that acts to suspend the floor of the axilla. It runs as a loose connective tissue sheet between:

• laterally:
  • coracoid process of scapula
  • coracoclavicular ligament
• medially:
  • first costal cartilage
  • external intercostal membrane of first two intercostal spaces
• superiorly: subclavian groove on the inferior surface of the clavicle
• inferiorly: continuous with suspensory ligament of axilla
• deep: extends in continuity with axillary sheath
• superficial: deep fascia of pectoralis major

Inferior to the clavicle, it invests first the subclavius muscle and then the pectoralis minor muscle more inferiorly. Superior to the clavicle, the layers that split around subclavius are homologous, but not continuous, with the deep cervical fascia.

The clavipectoral fascia is traversed by:

• lymphatics: passing between infraclavicular and apical nodes of the axilla
• cephalic vein
• lateral pectoral nerve
• thoracoacromial vessels