Pectoralis Major Muscles, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile on an adult male skeleton, the anterior thoracic wall is anchored by the clavicle, sternum, and ribs, with the scapula and coracoid process positioned posterolaterally at the shoulder girdle. The pectoralis major is understood by its clavicular head coursing inferolaterally from the medial clavicle and its sternocostal head arising from the sternum and costal cartilages, both converging toward the proximal humerus at the lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus. Deep to that superficial plane, the pectoralis minor is highlighted, running superolaterally from ribs 3 to 5 near their costochondral junctions to the coracoid process. Layering matters here. A lateral perspective clarifies how the pectoralis minor tethers the scapula anteriorly and inferiorly, opposing scapular retraction and contributing to anterior tilt. That relationship underlies common patterns of scapular dyskinesis and helps explain why coracoid-based procedures and anterior shoulder approaches must respect the nearby neurovascular corridor. It also frames clinical discussions around thoracic outlet syndrome, where a shortened pectoralis minor can contribute to compression of the axillary artery and brachial plexus cords beneath the pectoralis minor, just inferior to the coracoid. Use this artwork for gross anatomy teaching on the pectoral region, kinesiology modules on scapulothoracic mechanics, and surgical education covering deltopectoral and infraclavicular exposure where pectoral attachments guide safe dissection planes. It also supports textbook figures comparing pectoralis major actions at the glenohumeral joint with the deeper stabilizing role of pectoralis minor at the scapula. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.