Chest Anatomy: All About the Chest Muscles

If you buy through a link on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
By Alex
Last updated on

The chest anatomy includes the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and the serratus anterior. Learn about each of these muscles, their locations, functional anatomy and exercises for them.

This page provides an overview of the chest muscle group. Find out more about the individual muscles within the chest anatomy by clicking their respective links throughout this page.

Function of the Chest Muscles

The chest is part of a larger group of “pushing muscles” found in the upper body. The chest, as part of this group, enables you to perform pushing actions such as the barbell bench press or a daily activity such as moving a heavy dresser.

To fully develop your chest, you need to hit it with heavy weight using a couple smartly chosen exercises. Read on and learn more about each chest muscle, and how to properly perform exercises that adequately challenge them.

Pectoralis Major

Pectoralis Major Muscle

The pectoralis major is a large, substantial, fan-shaped muscle. And as you might guess from the word “major,” it makes up the majority of the chest muscle mass. It originates at your clavicle, ribs, and sternum, and inserts into the upper portion of your humerus (upper arm bone from elbow to shoulder).

The pectoralis major helps flex the shoulder joint, and moves your arm toward and across your chest. When training your pecs, you’ll likely notice that your shoulders and triceps also benefit.

Pectoralis Minor

Pectoralis Minor Muscle

The pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle that is found underneath the pectoralis major. It attaches at the 3rd, 4th and 5th rib, and it reaches to the scapula (shoulder blade). Think of it as the little (yet very powerful) brother of the pactoralis major. Its job is to help pull the shoulder forward and down.

Serratus Anterior

Serratus Anterior

The serratus anterior, although not truly part of the chest anatomy, is commonly grouped as part of the chest muscle group because attaches near the pectorals on the ribs. Its functions are to move the scapula forward and upward.

Chest Exercises

Some popular chest exercises include:

Alex from King of the Gym
Author
Hey! My name is Alex and I'm the founder and author of King of the Gym. I've been lifting weights seriously since 2005 in high school when I started a home gym in my parents' basement. I started writing about fitness in 2009. Then, in 2014, I got into writing home gym equipment reviews and I haven't looked back. My current home gym is in my own house and it's constantly growing and evolving. My goal is to help you build the home gym of your dreams! Read more about me here.

2 thoughts on “Chest Anatomy: All About the Chest Muscles”

  1. Awesome article. The chest is one of my favourite muscle groups to workout. I love the bench and being able to push myself to the limit.

    Reply

Leave a Comment