The spelling of the anatomical term "musculus subclavius" may seem daunting for non-experts, but it can be broken down into its components. "Musculus" refers to a muscle, while "sub-" means under or below, and "clavius" refers to the clavicle bone. Therefore, "musculus subclavius" is the muscle located under the clavicle bone. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced \ˈmʌskjʊləs sʌbˈkleɪviəs\, with emphasis on the first syllable of "musculus" and the second syllable of "subclavius".
Musculus subclavius is a Latin term that refers to a specific muscle located in the human body. Comprised of two main components, namely "musculus," meaning muscle, and "subclavius," signifying its location beneath the clavicle, this is a small muscle positioned in the upper part of the chest.
The musculus subclavius originates from the first rib and attaches to the inferior aspect of the clavicle. It runs horizontally across the chest, beneath the collarbone, and is positioned deep to the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle. This muscle is typically thin and elongated, with a width of approximately 1-2 centimeters.
Despite its relatively small size, the musculus subclavius plays a significant role in the stability and movement of the shoulder girdle. It functions to depress and stabilize the clavicle, aiding in various arm movements, particularly those involving the shoulder joint. Additionally, its contraction helps prevent excessive upward displacement of the clavicle during certain upper limb movements.
In summary, the musculus subclavius is a small, horizontally-running muscle located beneath the clavicle. Its main function is to stabilize and depress the clavicle, assisting in shoulder movement and preventing excessive upward displacement of the collarbone.
Origin, 1st costal cartilage; insertion, under surface of acromial end of clavicle; action, fixes clavicle or elevates 1st rib; nerve supply, subclavian from brachial plexus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word musculus subclavius has its roots in Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Musculus: Derived from the Latin word musculus, meaning little mouse or muscle.
2. Sub: This Latin prefix means under or beneath.
3. Clavius: Derived from the Latin word clavis, meaning key, which symbolizes the resemblance of the collarbone (clavicle) to a key.
Therefore, musculus subclavius can be translated as the muscle beneath the clavicle or the muscle under the collarbone.