| Origin | Third to fifth ribs |
| Insertion | Coracoid process of the scapula (medial border/superior surface) |
| Action | Moving scapula anteriorly and inferiorly Elevation of ribs |
| Nerve | Medial pectoral nerve Lateral pectoral nerve |
| Artery | Pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk |
Location & Overview
The pectoralis minor muscle is located at the upper chest. It is a thin and triangular shaped muscle that is deep to the pectoralis major. It is also often commonly referred to as the ‘pec minor’ [1] [2] [3].
Pictured here we can see the pectoralis minor.
Origin & Insertion
The pectoralis minor muscle originates from the third to firth ribs relatively close to their costal cartilages. The muscle then inserts onto the coracoid process of the scapula, specifically the medial border and upper surface [4] [5].
Pictured here we can see the pectoralis minor’s origin at the third to fifth ribs (highlighted in red).
Pictured here we can see the pectoralis minor’s insertion at the Coracoid process of the scapula. Specifically, the medial border and superior surface (highlighted in blue).
Actions
The pectoralis minor muscle is primarily involved in moving the scapula anteriorly and inferiorly. It also assists in elevation of the ribs [6] [7].
Innervation
The pectoralis minor muscle is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve and the lateral pectoral nerve[8].
Blood Supply
Blood is supplied by the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk [9].
Want some flashcards to help you remember this information? Then click the link below:
Pectoralis Minor Flashcards
References
| ↑1 | Moore KL, Agur AMR, Dalley AF. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincot Williams & Wilkins; 2017. |
|---|---|
| ↑2, ↑4, ↑6, ↑8 | Tang A, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Thorax, Muscles. 2021 Jul 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan–. PMID: 30855905. |
| ↑3, ↑5, ↑7 | Baig MA, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Pectoral Muscles. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545241/ |
| ↑9 | Solari F, Burns B. Anatomy, Thorax, Pectoralis Major Major. 2021 Jul 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan–. PMID: 30252247. |
