Pinpoint
Muscles/Chest

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.

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Common 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

Also Works pectoralis minor

10

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

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide