The Musculus Pectoralis Minor is a muscle located in the chest area. Its spelling may seem daunting to many, but with the use of IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes easier to understand. The "Mu" in "Musculus" is pronounced as /mjuː/, the "scu" as /skjʊ/, and "lus" as /lʌs/. "Pectoralis" is pronounced as /pekˈtɔːrəlɪs/ and "Minor" as /ˈmaɪnər/. Thus, the full pronunciation is /ˈmjuːskjʊləs pɛkˈtɔːrəlɪs ˈmaɪnər/. Despite its complex spelling, Musculus Pectoralis Minor is an important muscle for body movements and posture.
The musculus pectoralis minor, derived from Latin, refers to a small, triangular-shaped muscle located in the upper chest area. It is positioned beneath the larger pectoralis major muscle and is part of the pectoral girdle, which connects the upper limbs to the torso. The pectoralis minor muscle originates from three different areas: the third, fourth, and fifth ribs near their cartilage attachments. It then extends diagonally across the upper chest, attaching to the coracoid process of the scapula, a prominent bony projection found near the shoulder joint.
The primary function of the musculus pectoralis minor is to stabilize and control the position of the scapula. When the muscle contracts, it pulls the scapula forward and downward, allowing for proper movement and rotation of the shoulder joint. In addition to its stabilizing role, the pectoralis minor also aids in respiration by lifting the ribs during deep inhalation. Although smaller in size compared to the pectoralis major, the pectoralis minor plays a crucial role in maintaining proper shoulder and upper body mechanics.
Due to its proximity to the pectoralis major and its involvement in shoulder stability, injuries or dysfunctions in the musculus pectoralis minor can lead to shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and postural imbalances. Strengthening exercises and proper stretching techniques focusing on this muscle can help improve scapular stability and alleviate associated discomfort.
Origin, 3d to 5th ribs at the costochondral articulations; insertion, tip of coracoid process of scapula; action, draws down scapula or raises ribs; nerve supply, anterior thoracic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.