Rectus Sternalis Muscle : A Debate For Anatomists, A Puzzle For Radiologists and Surgeons

Opening of the article

Rectus Sternalis muscle is a rare anomaly of anterior chest wall that has debated origin, innervation and unknown function. In the present case it was bilaterally seen in an adult male cadaver. On right side it was unusually enlarged, distinct and strap-like measuring 15.5 cm in length and 2.4 cm at broadest part. Upper tendinous attachment was continuous with Sternocleidomastoid laterally and Sternohyoid medially. The lower attachment formed an aponeurosis that merged with that of External oblique. The nerve supply came from the medial and lateral pectoral nerves that supplied the muscle from deep aspect after piercing Pectoralis major.