Anomalous fascicle and high origin of latissimus dorsi compensating for absence of serratus anterior.

The unilateral absence of the right serratus anterior muscle was found in a 78 year old white male subject. In addition, on the same side, a high origin (5th thoracic level) of latissimus dorsi with an accessory muscle fascicle which covered the inferior angle of the scapula and fused with teres major and with the deep fascia of infraspinatus was also found. The structural arrangement suggests that the absence of serratus anterior was compensated for by the anomalous latissimus dorsi.