Muscle
Subclavius
Short stabilizer beneath the clavicle
High-yield
The nerve to subclavius usually arises from the upper brachial-plexus trunk and carries C5–C6 fibers.
Overview
Subclavius connects the first rib region to the underside of the clavicle. It anchors the collarbone and assists its downward movement as part of shoulder-girdle control.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Junction of the first rib and its costal cartilage
- Insertion
- Subclavian groove on the inferior middle third of the clavicle
- Action
- Anchors and depresses the clavicle, assisting sternoclavicular stability
- Innervation
- Nerve to subclavius, C5–C6
- Blood supply
- Clavicular branches of the thoracoacromial artery
Clinical correlation
The muscle lies between the clavicle and important nerves and vessels beneath it. This anatomical relationship matters in clavicular injuries and surgery; the muscle does not guarantee protection from damage.
Frequently asked questions
What does the subclavius do?
The subclavius anchors and depresses the clavicle, assisting sternoclavicular stability.
What nerve innervates the subclavius?
The subclavius is innervated by the nerve to subclavius, C5–C6.
Where does the subclavius attach?
The subclavius originates from the junction of the first rib and its costal cartilage and inserts on the subclavian groove on the inferior middle third of the clavicle.
What is the blood supply of the subclavius?
The subclavius is supplied by the clavicular branches of the thoracoacromial artery.