Subclavius Muscle

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Subclavius and Pectoralis minor schematic¹
1: Subclavius
2: Pectoralis Minor

Subclavius and Pectoralis minor (Anterior view)¹

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Subclavius	1st rib	Clavicle (inferior surface)	N. to subclavius C5 - C6	SCJ: Clavicular stabilization

Origin

1st rib¹

Insertion

Clavicle (inferior surface)¹

Innervation

N. to Subclavius (C5, C6)¹

Action

• Clavicle depression, elevation of 1st rib².
• This action primarily stabilizes the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint^1–3.

Note

The subclavius’ ability to stabilize the SCJ depends on the degree of shoulder motion².

Practical Function

• The subclavius muscle actions aid in stability of the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint²

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

2.

Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

3.

Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.