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