Pectoralis minor
Pectoralis Minor
The Pectoralis Minor (Pronunciation: pek-to-ral-is mi-nor) is a thin, triangular muscle, situated at the upper part of the chest, beneath the Pectoralis Major in the human body.
Etymology
The term "Pectoralis" is derived from the Latin word 'pectus' which means 'chest'. The term "Minor" is used to indicate that it is smaller than the Pectoralis Major, the larger muscle of the chest.
Anatomy
The Pectoralis Minor is located under the Pectoralis Major. It originates from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs near their cartilage and inserts into the coracoid process of the scapula. Its primary function is to stabilize the scapula by drawing it inferiorly and anteriorly against the thoracic wall.
Related Terms
- Pectoralis Major: The larger, superficial muscle in the chest.
- Coracoid Process: A small hook-like structure on the lateral edge of the superior anterior portion of the scapula.
- Scapula: Also known as the shoulder blade, it connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pectoralis minor
- Wikipedia's article - Pectoralis minor
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