Surface markings, actions and nerve supply of Pectoralis major
Curriculum
Origin | Clavicle, aponeurosis of the abdominal external oblique muscle, Sternum + upper 6 costal cartilages |
Insertion | Lateral lip of Bicipital groove of Humerus |
Nerve supply | Medical and Lateral Pectoral nerves |
Actions | Flexion, Adduction and Medical rotation of arm |

Pectoralis major Origin and Insertions – Image modified from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.1 Japan
The Pectoralis Major muscle makes the bulk of chest muscles. It originates from 3 different zones – Clavicular, Abdominal and Sterno-costal. Check the images above.
Regarding actions, if the muscle contracts what happens to the Humerus? As it’s attaching on the front side of bone, you’ll expect some rotation to happen.