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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 12, Issue 2, September 2014 pp 60-62

Research Article

Musculus sternalis: a mystery muscle

Vaibhav Vasudevrao Phad¹, S. A. Syed², R. A. Joshi³, N. G. Herekar⁴

¹Assistant Professor, ²Assistant Professor, ⁴Professor and HOD, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Miraj, District Sangli 416410, Maharashtra, INDIA.

³Professor and HOD, Department of Anatomy, RCSM Government Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Abstract

Introduction: Rectus column gives rise to various muscles extending from pubic symphysis to symphysis menti. These are well developed in neck region represented by supra-hyoid and infra-hyoid muscles, in abdominal region represented by rectus abdominis. In thorax this layer usually disappears but occasionally remains as musculus sternalis. During study we dissected 12 cadavers and encountered a musculus sternalis on right side of 60-year-old male cadaver covered by superficial fascia and located anterior to the pectoralis major muscle. Knowledge regarding the muscular variations of the anterior wall of chest and their identification is important for radiological examinations such as mammography. The existence of the musculus sternalis should not be overlooked in the surgical and diagnostic procedures.