Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
11:49
Single-port Non-liposuction Endoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: April 3, 2026
Variation of the axillary arch muscle with multiple insertions
M Loukas1, N Noordeh, R S Tubbs
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, St George's University School of Medicine, True Blue Campus 001, Grenada, West Indies. edsg2000@yahoo.com
Singapore Medical Journal
|March 20, 2009
Summary
A rare axillary arch muscle variant was found in a cadaver, originating from the latissimus dorsi and inserting into multiple chest muscles and the coracoid process. This anatomical variation highlights the importance of recognizing complex axillary arch muscle presentations in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Morphology
Background:
- Axillary arch muscles, also known as the muscle of Langer, are anatomical variations.
- These muscles are typically described with variable origins and insertions.
Observation:
- A unique axillary arch muscle was identified in a 90-year-old female cadaver.
- The muscle originated from the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Findings:
- The axillary arch muscle exhibited multiple insertions.
- Insertions were noted on the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and the coracoid process.
Implications:
- Recognizing complex axillary arch muscle anatomy is crucial for accurate clinical diagnosis.
- This case underscores the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge in surgical and diagnostic procedures involving the axilla and pectoral region.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
01:18Axial and Appendicular Muscles
Skeletal muscles, the key players in our body's movement, can be classified into two groups based on their location and function: axial muscles and appendicular muscles. These classifications reflect the primary roles the muscles play in the body's structure and movement.
Axial Muscles
Axial muscles, situated along the body's midline, are intricately connected to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum. These muscles facilitate facial expressions and play a...
Axial Muscles
Axial muscles, situated along the body's midline, are intricately connected to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum. These muscles facilitate facial expressions and play a...
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
01:19Naming Skeletal Muscles
The naming of the approximately 700 muscles in the human body is based on a set of criteria designed to provide descriptive information about each muscle, making it easier to identify and remember them.
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
The key factors used in naming muscles include: