Chest
pectoralis minor
pek-toh-RAH-lis MY-nor
Under the pec major, the pectoralis minor stabilizes the scapula, aiding shoulder protraction in dips and push-ups. Key for shoulder health in overhead athletes. It prevents winging scapula in fitness training.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Tight pec minor causes anterior shoulder pain; see doc for scapular dysfunction.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
Ribs 3-5
Insertion
Coracoid process of scapula (shoulder blade hook)
Actions
- Scapular protraction (shoulder forward)
- Scapular depression
- Downward rotation of scapula
Innervation
Medial pectoral nerve
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
Rhomboids
Synergists
Serratus anterior
Trigger Points
Muscle belly refers to anterior shoulder and chest.
Stretches
1Pec minor doorway stretch
2Wall protraction stretch
3Foam roller pec release
Common Conditions
Pectoralis minor syndromeScapular dyskinesis
Anatomical Parts
Right pectoralis minorLeft pectoralis minor
FAQ
Pec minor pain?
Tight pec minor pulls shoulders forward, causing ache.
What does pec minor do?
Stabilizes scapula during pushing and overhead work.
Stretch pec minor?
Corner stretch or foam rolling targets it best.
Pec minor tightness fix?
Strengthen rhomboids and stretch daily.
Exercises for pectoralis minor
20

Alternating Floor Press
beginner·kettlebells


Around The Worlds
intermediate·dumbbell


Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip
beginner·barbell


Barbell Guillotine Bench Press
intermediate·barbell


Barbell Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip
beginner·barbell


Behind Head Chest Stretch
expert·other


Bench Press - With Bands
beginner·bands


Bent-Arm Dumbbell Pullover
intermediate·dumbbell


Bodyweight Flyes
intermediate·e-z curl bar


Butterfly
beginner·machine


Cable Chest Press
beginner·cable


Cable Crossover
beginner·cable


Cable Iron Cross
beginner·cable


Chain Press
intermediate·other


Chest And Front Of Shoulder Stretch
beginner·other


Chest Push from 3 point stance
beginner·medicine ball


Chest Push (multiple response)
beginner·medicine ball


Chest Push (single response)
beginner·medicine ball


Chest Push with Run Release
beginner·medicine ball


Chest Stretch on Stability Ball
beginner·exercise ball
Also Works pectoralis minor
10

Alternating Renegade Row
expert·kettlebells


Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise
beginner·barbell


Barbell Shoulder Press
intermediate·barbell


Battling Ropes
beginner·other


Bench Dips
beginner·Bodyweight


Bench Press - Powerlifting
intermediate·barbell


Bench Press with Chains
expert·barbell


Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover
intermediate·barbell


Board Press
intermediate·barbell


Catch and Overhead Throw
beginner·medicine ball
Related Chest Muscles
Abdominal part of left pectoralis major
The abdominal part of the left pectoralis major is the lower portion of the left chest's primary pushing muscle, attaching from the sternum down to the ribs near the abdomen. It drives shoulder adduction and flexion, crucial for powerful presses like bench variations and dips. Fitness enthusiasts target it for that defined lower chest line in bodybuilding.
Abdominal part of right pectoralis major
The abdominal part of the right pectoralis major forms the lower section of the right chest's main power muscle, spanning from the sternum to the abdominal ribs. It excels in adduction and flexion for presses and flyes, key for balanced chest development. Gym-goers love it for carving out that teardrop lower chest aesthetic.
Anterior papillary muscle of right ventricle
This cardiac muscle inside the right ventricle anchors mitral valve leaflets for proper heart pumping. Not skeletal, but endurance training optimizes heart efficiency. Matters for cardio performance indirectly.
Anterolateral head of lateral papillary muscle of left ventricle
Specialized head of left heart papillary muscle securing mitral valve for left ventricle ejection. Critical for oxygenated blood flow. Athletes benefit from cardiac hypertrophy here.
External intercostal muscle
External intercostals are thin muscles between the ribs that elevate them during inhalation, aiding deep breathing for core stability in lifts. They're vital for endurance athletes needing efficient oxygen uptake. Fitness training enhances respiratory muscle power.
Innermost intercostal muscle
Innermost intercostals are deep rib muscles aiding forced expiration like coughing. Support breathing in high-intensity training.
Internal intercostal muscle
Internal intercostals between ribs assist expiration and stabilize chest in lifts.
Lateral papillary muscle of left ventricle
Papillary muscle in heart's left ventricle anchors mitral valve to prevent backflow. Endurance training strengthens indirectly.
Chest Pain Guide
Common causes and relief
Activities & Sports
See which activities use pectoralis minor