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The chest is home to two mighty muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor, known collectively as the pecs. The pectoralis major is the largest muscle of the chest, and the one that commands the most real estate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chest muscles | 2 |
| Largest muscle | Pectoralis major |
| Other muscle | Pectoralis minor |
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What You'll Learn
The pectoralis major is the largest muscle in the chest
There are two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor, known collectively as the pecs. The pectoralis major is the largest muscle in the chest. It is large and fan-shaped, with one of these slabs on either side of the chest. The pectoralis major constitutes the bulk of the chest muscles, lying underneath the breast. The primary function of the pectoral muscles is to adduct the arms, or pull them towards the midline of the body from various angles.
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The pectoralis minor is the second largest muscle in the chest
There are two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis minor is the second-largest muscle in the chest. It is one of four muscles in the pectoral region that exert a force on the upper limb. The pectoralis major is the largest muscle of the chest, and it constitutes the bulk of the chest muscles, lying underneath the breast. The pectoralis minor is smaller than the pectoralis major, but it is still an important muscle in the chest. It is located on the anterior chest wall, along with the other muscles of the pectoral region. The primary function of the pectoral muscles is to adduct the arms, or pull them towards the midline of the body from various angles. This helps with daily activities, such as opening a heavy door or pressing a loaded barbell.
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The pectoralis major and pectoralis minor are known collectively as the pecs
There are two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor, which are known collectively as the pecs. The pectoralis major is the largest muscle of the chest, with one of these large, fan-shaped slabs on either side of the chest. The pectoralis minor is located underneath the pectoralis major.
The primary function of the pectoral muscles is to adduct the arms, or pull them towards the midline of the body from various angles. These muscles are also responsible for a wide range of other movements, including flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the humerus, stabilisation of the scapula, as well as elevating and depressing the bones of the thorax.
The pectoral muscles are a group of skeletal muscles, which are attached to the bones by tendons. They are voluntary muscles, meaning we control how they work, and they make up about a third of the human body. They are distinct from smooth muscles, which are involuntary, and cardiac muscles, which are specific to the heart.
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The pectoralis major is fan-shaped
There are two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is fan-shaped and is the largest muscle of the chest. It is the most superficial muscle in the pectoral region. The pectoralis major is composed of a sternal head and a clavicular head. The sternal head originates from the anterior surface of the medial clavicle. The pectoralis major constitutes the bulk of the chest muscles, lying underneath the breast.
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The pectoralis major is located underneath the breast
There are two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is the largest muscle of the chest and is located underneath the breast. It is a large, fan-shaped muscle and is composed of a sternal head and a clavicular head. The clavicular head originates from the anterior surface of the medial clavicle. The pectoralis major is the most superficial muscle in the pectoral region. It is responsible for moving the upper extremities in a wide range of motions, including flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the humerus, as well as elevating and depressing the bones of the thorax. The primary function of the pectoralis major is to adduct the arms, or pull them towards the midline of the body from various angles.
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Frequently asked questions
Humans have two chest muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor.
The chest muscles are also known as the pecs.
The pectoralis major is the largest chest muscle.
The chest muscles are responsible for moving the upper extremities in a wide range of motions, including flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the humerus.
