Rectus sternalis muscle - a rare anatomical variant

Abstract

The Rectus Sternalis muscle is an unusual muscle that is observed on the anterior chest wall. The origin of this muscle is a highly debated variation of the pectoral musculature. We report a case of an abnormal vertically placed muscle - The rectus sternalis muscle, on the right medial side of the anterior chest wall of a male cadaver aged about 80 years. The abnormal presence of this muscle can be misdiagnosed as a breast mass on a routine mammogram. The advantage is its role in reconstruction flap surgeries. Hence knowledge of such an anatomical variant should be kept in mind during diagnostic investigations and surgical procedures.

Keywords

• pectoralis major muscle
• cadaver
• unilateral
• mammography
• origin
• dissection