Pectoralis Major

Region: Chest Muscles · All chest muscles

Pectoralis Major at a glance

OriginClavicle, front of the sternum and upper six costal cartilages
InsertionLateral lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus
ActionsAdducts the arm; Rotates the arm inward; Draws the arm forward (flexion from extension)
Nerve supplyLateral and medial pectoral nerves (C5–T1)

◆ Good to know

The muscle of push-ups and bench press; its sternal head is tested by asking the patient to press the palms together.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.