Pectoralis Minor

The Pectoralis Minor muscle is the smallest of the two chest muscles. The Pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle, situated at the upper part of the chest, beneath the Pectoralis major.

It works together with Serratus anterior which protracts and rotates the scapula upwards. When the two work together, pure protraction (without rotation) is produced.

Anatomy of the Pectoralis Minor

The pectoralis minor muscle is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve and is supplied by the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk

The pectoralis minor muscle arises from the upper margins and outer surfaces of the third, fourth, and fifth ribs, near their cartilages and from the aponeuroses covering the intercostalis.

The fibers pass upward and lateral ward and converge to form a flat tendon, which is inserted into the medial border and upper surface of the coracoid process of the scapula.

Functions of the Pectoralis Minor

The Pectoralis Minor has two functions:

• Scapula protraction, and
• Rotation of the scapula downwards

It stabilizes the scapula by drawing it inferiorly and anteriorly against the thoracic wall.

You will use the pectoralis minor muscle when pushing a door open.

Some of the best exercises to strengthen the pectoral muscle include:

• dips,
• press ups, and
• bench presses.

You can also use isolation exercises like flyes and cable crossovers.

One of the more common injuries to the pectoral muscle includes Pectoral strain

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