The pectoralis minor muscle is located in the upper chest, beneath the pectoralis major.
Detailed Location of the Pectoralis Minor
The pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle that plays a role in shoulder movement and stability. Its precise location and attachments are as follows:
- Origin: It originates from the anterior surfaces of the 3rd to 5th ribs (sometimes the 2nd to 5th), near their costal cartilages.
- Insertion: It inserts onto the coracoid process of the scapula.
- Position: It lies deep to the larger pectoralis major muscle, meaning it is situated underneath the pectoralis major in the chest region.
Function and Significance
The pectoralis minor functions to:
- Depress the scapula
- Protract the scapula (pull it forward)
- Downwardly rotate the scapula
- Elevate the ribs during forced inhalation (to a minor extent)
Innervation
The pectoralis minor is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve, which arises from the brachial plexus.
In summary, the pectoralis minor resides in the upper chest region, nestled underneath the pectoralis major muscle, attaching from the ribs to the scapula.
