Mystery of the Missing Minor: A Cadaveric Study

The pectoralis minor (PMi) is a key muscle of the pectoral region, situated deep to the pectoralis major. It plays a crucial role in connecting the upper limb to the thoracic cage. During a routine dissection of a male cadaver, we observed a rare case of unilateral congenital absence of the PMi. This finding highlights the clinical significance of anatomical variations of the pectoral muscles. Awareness of such variations is essential for physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists, as it impacts the diagnosis and management of patients with congenital chest, shoulder, and limb deformities, as well as surgical procedures in this region.