What is the distal attachment of the pectoralis minor muscle?

What is the distal attachment of the pectoralis minor muscle?

• A. Greater tubercle of the humerus
• B. Coracoid process of the scapula
• C. Medial border of the scapula
• D. Costal cartilages of ribs 1-2

Answer: (B)

The pectoralis minor muscle is a small but important muscle located beneath the pectoralis major. Its primary function is to stabilize the scapula by drawing it forward and downward. The distal attachment of the pectoralis minor is specifically to the coracoid process of the scapula. This anatomical connection allows the muscle to effectively perform its role in scapular movement and stabilization. The coracoid process serves as a key site for muscle attachment and plays a significant role in the mechanics of the shoulder. By attaching at this point, the pectoralis minor helps manipulate the position of the scapula during upper limb movements, such as reaching or pushing. Other choices do not reflect correct anatomical relationships with the pectoralis minor; for instance, the greater tubercle of the humerus primarily serves as an attachment point for muscles of the rotator cuff, while the medial border of the scapula is associated with muscles such as the rhomboids. The costal cartilages of ribs 1-2 relate to the pectoralis minor's proximal attachment but do not serve as its distal point. Understanding this specific attachment is crucial for grasping how the muscle contributes to shoulder mechanics and stability.

The pectoralis minor muscle is a small but important muscle located beneath the pectoralis major. Its primary function is to stabilize the scapula by drawing it forward and downward. The distal attachment of the pectoralis minor is specifically to the coracoid process of the scapula. This anatomical connection allows the muscle to effectively perform its role in scapular movement and stabilization.

The coracoid process serves as a key site for muscle attachment and plays a significant role in the mechanics of the shoulder. By attaching at this point, the pectoralis minor helps manipulate the position of the scapula during upper limb movements, such as reaching or pushing.

Other choices do not reflect correct anatomical relationships with the pectoralis minor; for instance, the greater tubercle of the humerus primarily serves as an attachment point for muscles of the rotator cuff, while the medial border of the scapula is associated with muscles such as the rhomboids. The costal cartilages of ribs 1-2 relate to the pectoralis minor's proximal attachment but do not serve as its distal point. Understanding this specific attachment is crucial for grasping how the muscle contributes to shoulder mechanics and stability.