Pectoralis Minor Muscle – Attachment, Action & Innervation

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

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The pectoralis minor muscle is a small, triangular muscle located beneath the pectoralis major.

image descriptionPectoralis Minor Muscle

An image showing some upper limb muscles (Deltoid, Pectoralis minor, Latissimus dorsi, Serratus anterior, Brachialis and Rectus abdominis) , The Pectoralis minor muscle are hidden underneath those muscles
An image showing the Pectoralis minor muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb along with other muscles (Serratus anterior, External oblique and Rectus abdominis)
An image showing the Pectoralis minor muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb along with other muscles (Internal intercostals, External intercostals and Transversus abdominus)
An image showing the Pectoralis Minor Muscle attached to the upper limb skeleton
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image descriptionAttachments of Pectoralis Minor Muscle: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments):
Anterior surfaces of the sternal ends of ribs 3-5.

Insertion: (distal attachments):
Coracoid process of scapula.

An image showing some upper limb muscles (Deltoid, Pectoralis minor, Latissimus dorsi, Serratus anterior, Brachialis and Rectus abdominis) , The Pectoralis minor muscle are hidden underneath those muscles
An image showing the Pectoralis Minor Muscle attached to the upper limb skeleton
An image showing the origin and insertion of the Pectoralis Minor Muscle on the upper limb
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Actions on the shoulder (scapula):

image descriptionDraws scapula forward and downward. (It also elevates ribs if origin & insertion are reversed).

Learn the muscles of the body with ease thanks to these muscle anatomy reference charts. 

Nerve to Muscle and its Spinal Segment:

Medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1).

Test yourself:

Muscles That Act On The Anterior Shoulder

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