PECTORALIS MAJOR Meaning and
Definition
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The pectoralis major is a thick and fan-shaped muscle situated on the front side of the chest, extending from the clavicle (collarbone), sternum (breastbone), and costal cartilage (cartilage connecting the ribs) to the upper humerus (bone of the upper arm). It is one of the major muscles of the chest and upper body, aiding in the movement and functioning of the shoulder joint, arm, and chest.
The pectoralis major is primarily responsible for adduction, flexion, and medial rotation of the arm at the shoulder joint, drawing the arm toward the midline of the body, lifting it upwards, and rotating it inwardly. It also plays a secondary role in assisting other muscles during movements such as pushing, pulling, and throwing.
This muscle is composed of two distinct parts, known as the clavicular head and the sternal head, referring to their origins on the clavicle and sternum, respectively. These two heads have separate attachment points on the upper arm bone but merge together, forming a thick and powerful muscle mass.
The pectoralis major is well-developed in athletes and weightlifters, contributing to overall upper body strength. It is also important for performing various upper body exercises, such as bench press, push-ups, and chest flys, as it provides stability, power, and control during these movements. Injuries to the pectoralis major can occur due to overuse, strain, or trauma, affecting its functionality and resulting in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Common Misspellings for PECTORALIS MAJOR
- oectoralis major
- lectoralis major
- -ectoralis major
- 0ectoralis major
- pwctoralis major
- psctoralis major
- pdctoralis major
- prctoralis major
- p4ctoralis major
- p3ctoralis major
- pextoralis major
- pevtoralis major
- peftoralis major
- pedtoralis major
- pecroralis major
- pecforalis major
- pecgoralis major
- pecyoralis major
- pec6oralis major
Etymology of PECTORALIS MAJOR
The word "pectoralis major" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
- "Pectoralis" is the adjective form of the Latin word "pectus", which means "chest" or "breast".
- "Major" is the comparative form of the Latin word "magnus", which means "great" or "larger" in English.
When combined, "pectoralis major" literally translates to "larger or greater chest/breast". This term refers to a major muscle that is located in the chest area.
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