Shoulder adductor muscles

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Table 1: Glenohumeral adductor muscles

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Anterior deltoid	Lateral third of clavicle	Deltoid tuberosity of humerus	Axillary n. C5 - C6	GHJ: Flexion, IR, Adduction
Coracobrachialis	Coracoid process	Humerus (in line with crest of lesser tubercle)	Musculocutaneous n. C5 - C7	GHJ: Flexion, Adduction, IR
Latissimus dorsi	T7-T12 SP Thoracolumbar fascia Inferior angle of scapula 9-12 ribs Posterior third of Iliac crest	Floor of the intertubercular groove of the humerus	Thoracodorsal n. C6 - C8	GHJ: IR, adduction, Extension Respiration: "cough muscle"
Pectoralis major	Clavicle (medial half) Sternum Costal cartilages 1-6 Rectus sheath (anterior layer)	Humerus (crest of greater tubercle)	Lateral pectoral n. Medial pectoral n. C5 - T1	Entire muscle: Adduction, IR Clavicular & Sternocostal parts: Flexion, Aids in respiration when shoulder is fixed
Teres major	Inferior angle of Scapula	Crest of lesser tubercle of humerus	Thoracodorsal n. C5 - C6	GHJ: IR, Adduction, Extension
Teres minor		Greater tubercle of Humerus	Axillary n. C5 - C6	GHJ: ER, Weak adduction
Triceps brachii Long head	Infraglenoid tubercle of Scapula	Olecranon of Ulna	Radial n. C6 - C8	Elbow: Extension GHJ: Extension, Adduction

Secondary

• Coracobrahialis is a secondary shoulder adductor¹.

References

1.

Biel A. Trail Guide to the Body: A Hands-on Guide to Locating Muscles, Bones, and More. 6th ed. Books of Discovery; 2019.