Insertion
Nerve Supply
Blood Supply
The Pectoralis Major is the largest and most superior muscle on the anterior surface of the thoracic cage. It is forming a thick, fan-shaped structure that lies beneath the breast tissue and constitutes the anterior wall of the axilla.
As a powerful, multi-functional muscle, the Pectoralis Major significantly impacts shoulder movement, stability, and strength. Its unique structure, extensive attachments, and robust action make it a essential focus in anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical applications, serving as a foundation for effective upper body performance and injury prevention strategies.
The Pectoralis Major is a powerful, multi-functional muscle that acts as a strong adductor and internal rotator of the humerus at the shoulder joint, enabling a range of essential motions and stabilizing actions critical to upper body function.
Primary Movements
This muscle performs multiple primary actions at the glenohumeral joint:
Arm Flexion and Extension: The clavicular portion flexes the humerus up to 90° in a horizontal plane, lifting the arm forward in activities like reaching and pushing. In contrast, the sternocostal portion produces the antagonistic movement, extending the humerus back to the anatomical position from a flexed position. This coordination is important in maintaining efficient, balanced shoulder motion.
Adduction and Internal Rotation of the Arm: Acting as a strong adductor, it brings the arm toward the midline, working closely with the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles. It also functions as a primary internal rotator, turning the humerus inward, essential for actions like reaching across the body and certain throwing or lifting activities.
Secondary Functions
The Pectoralis Major assists in several supportive functions that enhance shoulder stability and upper body control:
Scapular Depression and Abduction: It assists in depressing and abducting the scapula through its connections with the clavicle and thorax. This stabilizing action is important in lowering the arm from an elevated position, as well as in downward movements such as pull-ups and climbing activities.
Trunk Elevation and Forward Motion: Working with the latissimus dorsi, it helps pull the trunk forward or upward when the humerus is fixed, as in climbing, chin-ups, or pulling movements. This action assits athletic tasks involving forward or upward thrusts, including climbing and gymnastic motions.
Role in Respiration
Antagonistic Muscles
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The Core Structure & Function
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The Core Structure & Function Lectures – Part 1
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