The Chest: a Comprehensive Guide
The pectoral muscles, commonly referred to as the pecs, are a group of chest muscles that play a significant role in upper body movement and stability. The two muscles in the pectoral group are the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor.
The function of the Chest
- Pectoralis Major: Originating from the clavicle, sternum, and ribs, the pectoralis major inserts into the humerus. The pectoralis major is responsible for various arm movements, including flexion, adduction (bringing the arm towards the body), and internal rotation.
- Pectoralis Minor: Located beneath the pectoralis major, attaching from the third to fifth ribs to the coracoid process of the scapula. Primarily involved in stabilizing the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly towards the ribs.
The pectoralis muscles are often the most sought-after muscle group to train in the gym. Arnold’s chest is a staple in bodybuilding and exercises like the bench press and flys are the most popular lifts. For this reason, the pectoralis is often overtrained in comparison to other more necessary muscles such as those in the back.
This leads to a tight chest which rounds the shoulders and breaks your posture over time. While the pecs are important their value is often exaggerated by lifters. While the pectoralis has its necessary functions, it’s only the 4th largest muscle in the upper body behind the Deltoids, Triceps, and Trapezius.
This makes sense because nearly every chest movement requires your shoulders and triceps while the relationship isn’t so one-sided when the roles are reversed. So from an athletic standpoint, it would be more beneficial to focus more of the energy on balancing your physique. The pecs, like the triceps, are considered fast-twitch muscles. So it likes explosive movements. With everything considered, the chest is still an important muscle and is looked at as a symbol of masculinity. for more info on its surrounding structures, be sure to read our full guide!