Subclavius Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Nate 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

Figure 1: Muscles that position the Pectoral Girdle
Reading list
  • Pectoralis major and subclavius
  • Neuman
Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Action
Subclavius 1st rib Clavicle (inferior surface) N. to subclavius
C5 - C6		 SCJ: Stabilization

Origin

1st rib and its associated cartilage.

Insertion

Inferior surface of the middle 1/3 of the Clavicle.

Figure 2: Left clavicle (inferior view)

Innervation

N. to Subclavius (C5, C6)

Action

  • Clavicle depression or elevation of 1st rib.
  • This action primarily stabilizes the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint.
Note

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

Practical Function

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

References

1.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
2.
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3.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
4.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
5.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
6.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
7.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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