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Anatomy of Pectoral Region of Humans

Bones and Muscles of Pectoral Region.

In this video, we provide a detailed guide to the anatomy of the pectoral region, covering the essential bones and muscles that make up this crucial part of the human body.

What is a Pectoral Region?

  • The Pectoral Region lies in front of the chest.
  • It is as also known as the anterior thoracic region.
  • It encompasses the anterior chest area.
  • It consists of structures, that connect the upper limb to chest wall.

Bones of the Pectoral Region:

It consists of three bones.

  • Clavicle
  • Sternum
  • Scapula

1. Clavicle

 (also known as Collarbone):

  • Location: Extends from the sternum (medially) to the acromion of the scapula (laterally).
  • Functions: Serves as a strut to keep the scapula in place, enabling the arm to hang freely; provides attachment sites for muscles.

2. Sternum

(Also known as Breast Bone)

  • Components: Manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
  • Functions: Protects the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels; provides attachment for ribs and clavicle.

3. Scapula

(Also known as Shoulder Blade)

  • Location: Lies on the posterior thoracic wall.
  • Functions: Provides attachment for several muscles and articulates with the humerus and clavicle to form the shoulder joint.

Muscles of Pectoral Region:

There are four Muscles in the Pectoral Region.

  • Pectoralis Major
  • Pectoralis Minor
  • Subclavius
  • Serratus Anterior

1. Pectoralis Major:


  • Origin: 
  1. Clavicular head (medial half of clavicle); 
  2. sternocostal head (sternum and upper six costal cartilages).
  • Insertion: Lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus.


  • Functions: Adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the humerus.​

2. Pectoralis Minor:


  • Origin: Third to fifth ribs near their costal cartilages.
  • Insertion: Coracoid process of the scapula.

Functions: 

  • Stabilizes the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall.
  • It draws the scapula forward with Serratus anterior muscle.​

3. Subclavius:


  • Origin: First rib and its costal cartilage.
  • Insertion: Inferior surface of the middle third of the clavicle.

(in the subclavian groove of clavicle)


Functions: 

  • Anchors and depresses the clavicle.
  • It steadies the clavicle during movement of shoulder joint.

4. Serratus Anterior:

It is also known as Boxer’s muscle.

  • Origin: Upper eight ribs in the midaxillary plane.
  • Insertion: Anterior surface of the medial border of the scapula.​


Functions: 

  • Pushing and Punching Movements: it pulls the scapula forward around the chest wall, to protract the upper limb.
  • It rotates the scapula to allow the arm to be raised above the head.
  • It steadies the scapula during weight carrying.