Other Muscles in the Thorax

Transversus Thoracis muscle .jpg

Transversus Thoracis Muscle:

  • These muscles originate from the posterior surface of the inferior sternum and attach to the internal surface of the costal cartilages 2 to 6

  • They act to weakly depress the ribs

  • They are innervated by T2 to T6 intercostal nerves


pec major .jpg

Pectoralis Major

  • This muscle originates at the anterior surfaces of the medial half of the clavicle, the sternum, and related costal cartilages and the muscle fibers converge to form a flat tendon, which inserts into the lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus. Pectoralis major adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the arm.

  • It acts to flex, adduct, and rotate the humerous, and to keep the arms attached to the trunk

  • It is innervated by the medial and lateral pectoral nerves


pec minor .jpg

Pectoralis Minor:

  • This originates from the margins of the third to fifth ribs and attaches to the medial border and superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula

  • It acts to stabilize the scapula by pulling it downwards and anteriorly against the thoracic wall

  • It is innervated by the medial and lateral pectoral nerves