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Background: Rectus sternalis is considered as an unusual accessory or supernumerary muscle which appears either unilateral or bilateral in the anterior thoracic wall of human beings. It varies in length, breadth, thickness and incidence among different races and in both sexes. Regarding its origin and insertion still a clear conclusion has not been reached because some authors says it originates and ascends for insertion while some of them opines it originates and descends for insertion. Clinically, its presence also leads to false diagnosis such as Breast tumours, lipoma etc. Aim of the study: To find out the presence of Rectus sternalis muscle in the anterior chest wall during routine dissection. Materials and Methods: 37 well embalmed and preserved cadavers of both sexes which is used for routine dissection to Phase-I MBBS students were taken into condideration. The pectoral region on either side of sternum was dissected in layers and visualised for the presence of Rectus sternalis. Results: Among 37 cadavers dissected, Rectus sternalis was found in the pectoral region of a male and a female cadaver. In male it appeared bilateral, whereas in female it is unilateral. In both the cases it lie superficial to pectoralis major. Conclusion: The incidence of Rectus sternalis reported from our study was 5.4%. In the earlier days it lead to misdiagnosis and made great challenge to radiologists and surgeons, but now-a days with advancement in imaging techniques its presence can be detected clearly thus avoiding unnecessary expenditure and invitro techniques. Clinically it is also used as pedicle flap in breast reconstructive surgeries. KEY WORDS: Cadaver, Dissection, Pectoral region, Rectus sternalis, sternocleidomastoid.

Background: Suprascapular notch is present along the superior border of the scapula close to the lateral angle, which is converted into a Suprascapular foramen by the transverse Suprascapular ligament. Normally the Suprascapular nerve and vein pass through the foramen below the ligament, while the Suprascapular artery runs above the ligament. Suprascapular nerve entrapment is an interesting clinical condition which is widely involved in this area. Aim of the study: To find out the presence of Suprascapular artery passing along with the Suprascapular nerve and vein within the foramen and any pathology associated with it. Materials and Methods: The proposed study is carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, where 51 well embalmed cadavers of both the sexes and various age groups was utilised. Results: Out of 51 cadavers dissected, we found Suprascapular artery was found passing along with the Suprascapular nerve and vein in 2 of the cadavers, of which one each is found in a male and a female cadaver with an incidence of 3.92%. Conclusion: Studies done earlier pointed out the importance of Suprascapular nerve entrapment, the various causes and predisposing factors responsible for it ,and a knowledge of safe zone around the shoulder region should be known well to the operating surgeon and the available imaging techniques should be utilised by the radiologists in order to avoid the complications while dealing with the Suprascapular nerve entrapment. KEY WORDS: Cadaver, Suprascapular foramen, Suprascapular artery, Nerve entrapment, Transverse Suprascapular ligament.

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