Muscle
Pectoralis minor
Anchors the scapula, surgical landmark
High-yield
Landmark for the three parts of the axillary artery; innervated by the medial pectoral nerve.
Overview
A thin triangular muscle deep to pectoralis major that depresses the scapula and serves as a key landmark for the axillary artery's three parts.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Anterior surfaces of ribs 3-5 near their costal cartilages
- Insertion
- Coracoid process of the scapula
- Action
- Depresses and protracts the scapula; stabilises it against the thoracic wall; elevates ribs in forced inspiration
- Innervation
- Medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1)
- Blood supply
- Pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the pectoralis minor do?
The pectoralis minor depresses and protracts the scapula; stabilises it against the thoracic wall; elevates ribs in forced inspiration.
What nerve innervates the pectoralis minor?
The pectoralis minor is innervated by the medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1).
Where does the pectoralis minor attach?
The pectoralis minor originates from the anterior surfaces of ribs 3-5 near their costal cartilages and inserts on the coracoid process of the scapula.
What is the blood supply of the pectoralis minor?
The pectoralis minor is supplied by the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery.