What does the pectoralis muscle do?

Asked by: Michelle Blackshire

The pectorals are predominantly used to control the movement of the arm, with the contractions of the pectoralis major pulling on the humerus to create lateral, vertical, or rotational motion. The pectorals also play a part in deep inhalation, pulling the ribcage to create room for the lungs to expand.

What are the three functions of the pectorals?

The pectoralis major’s primary functions are flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the humerus.

What are the actions of the pectoralis major?

The main function of this chest muscle as a whole is the adduction and internal rotation of the arm on the shoulder joint. Acting independently, the clavicular part helps to flex the extended arm up to 90°, while the sternocostal part facilitates the extension of the flexed arm by pulling it downwards.

Why is the pectoralis major important?

These large muscles help you move your shoulder. These muscles help pull your arm across the front of your body. Injury to the pectoralis major can cause shoulder pain and limit your ability to use your arm fully.

What actions do the pectoralis major and minor perform?

Pectoralis muscle has several functions, mostly related to the movement of the scapula. Together with the serratus posterior it acts in protraction of the scapula, i.e. moving it laterally and anteriorly against the ribcage. This movement is important in reaching the arm forward.

What does the pectoralis major muscle do quizlet?

What does the pectoralis major muscle do? It adducts the arm.

Does the pectoralis major flex the shoulder?

Actions of Pectoralis Major Muscle:



Flex the arm at the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint. Extends the arm at the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint from a flexed position.

How do I activate my pectoralis major?

And she's trying to bring the arm forward that's that the function of the PEC muscles to pull the arm across the body. So she's giving that tension for 10 20 30 seconds. And then she would switch.

What is the pectoralis minor muscle used for?

Function. The primary actions of this muscle include the stabilization, depression, abduction or protraction, internal rotation and downward rotation of the scapula.

What muscle is under your breast?

Underneath the breasts there is fibrous tissue and muscle. The pectoral muscle passes underneath the breast and connects the chest and the arm. Lying further below the pectoral muscle are the ribs which are connected by intercostal muscles, which raise and lower the rib cage when breathing in and out.

How do you know if you tore your pectoral muscle?

When the pectoralis muscle ruptures, you will have sudden severe pain and a tearing sensation in the chest. You may also have pain in the upper arm, weakness, bruising, and a dimpling, or pocket formation above the arm pit. Initial treatment includes application of ice and immobilization of the shoulder, arm and chest.

Can a pec tear heal on its own?

In most cases, a torn pectoral will not heal on its own. Our team will need to perform surgery to reattach the muscle so that you can begin your road to recovery. The operation will involve sewing the muscle back into place on your upper arm.

How do you fix a torn pectoralis?

Surgery is usually required to repair pectoralis major injuries, except when there is a partial tear of the tendon, when there is a rupture of the center of the muscle, or in elderly patients. Athletes who injure the pectoralis major muscle usually desire a full return of strength to return to their sport.