Pectoralis Minor Origin and Insertion, Action, Location, Function, Blood and Nerve supply

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Photo of Pectoralis Minor Origin and Insertion, Action, Location, Function, Blood and Nerve supply

Pectoralis minor is also called P. minor and it is a triangular muscle that lies in the anterior wall of the axilla and is almost completely covered by the pectoralis major.

Pectoralis minor attachments and boundaries

Pectoralis minor is origin is from the 3rd to 5th ribs near their costal cartilages, while its insertion is by a short thick tendon at medial border and superior surface of coracoid process of scapula.

Pectoralis Minor Blood supply

The blood supply of pectoralis minor is from the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk.

Pectoralis minor innervation

The nerve supply of p. minor is by both pectoral nerves (C68)

Pectoralis minor Functions

The pectoralis minor stabilizes the scapula and is used when stretching the upper limb forward to touch an object that is just out of reach; it therefore stabilizes the scapula by drawing inferiorly and anteriorly against thoracic wall. It also forms passage together with the coracoid process for vessels and nerves to pass to the arm. Pectoralis minor is therefore a useful anatomical and surgical landmark for structures in the axilla.

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