Pectoralis major
Pectoralis Major
The Pectoralis Major (pronounced: pek-toh-RAY-lis MAY-jor) is a thick, fan-shaped muscle, situated at the chest (anterior) of the human body. It makes up the bulk of the chest muscles and lies under the breast.
Etymology
The term "Pectoralis Major" is derived from the Latin words 'pectus' which means 'breast' and 'major' meaning 'greater'. It is named so due to its size and location in the body.
Function
The Pectoralis Major is primarily used to control the movement of the arm, with the capabilities of flexion, adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus.
Related Terms
- Humerus: The bone of the upper arm or forelimb, forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow.
- Flexion: A bending movement around a joint in a limb that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint.
- Adduction: The movement of a body part toward the body’s midline.
- Medial Rotation: A rotational movement towards the midline.
See Also
- Pectoralis Minor: A thin, triangular muscle, beneath the Pectoralis Major in the human body.
- Muscular System: An organ system consisting of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pectoralis major
- Wikipedia's article - Pectoralis major
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