EN | DE | PT Contact How to study Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology First look at bones and muscles First look at neurovasculature First look at the systems
Upper extremity
Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Neurovasculature of the upper limb
Lower extremity
Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Neurovasculature of the lower limb
Trunk wall
Vertebral column Dorsal trunk Ventral trunk
Thorax
Female breast Mediastinum Esophagus Lungs Heart Diaphragm
Abdomen and pelvis
Peritoneal cavity Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys Ureter Pelvis Urinary bladder and urethra Female reproductive organs Male reproductive organs Blood vessels of the abdomen and pelvis Lymphatics of the abdomen and the pelvis
Head and neck
Skull Head Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Teeth Oral cavity Pharynx Neck Neurovasculature of the head and neck
Neuroanatomy
Cerebrum Subcortical structures Cerebellum and brainstem Ventricles, meninges and blood vessels of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper extremity Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Excretory system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
Fetal tissues
Head and neck Trunk and limbs
Medical imaging
Head and neck
Head: Axial CT Brain: Axial MRI T2 Face: Axial MRI T2 Neck: Axial CT
Abdomen and pelvis
Abdomen: Axial MRI T2 Abdomen: Axial CT Female pelvis: Axial CT
Upper extremity
Shoulder: Axial MRI PD Wrist: Axial MRI T1
Lower extremity
Knee: Axial MRI
Thorax
Chest X-ray
AnatomyTrunk wallVentral trunk
Subclavius muscle

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Go Premium

Subclavius muscle: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,168,736 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Subclavius muscle

The subclavius muscle is a short muscle of the shoulder girdle.

Contents
  1. Anatomy
    1. Origins and insertions
    2. Innervation
  2. Function
  3. Clinical points
  4. Related diagrams and images
+ Show all

Anatomy

Origins and insertions

It originates at the first rib (border between the bone and cartilage) and inserts at the lower surface of the middle third of clavicle. Thereby it lies behind the pectoralis major. The brachial plexus and both the subclavian artery and vein pass under the subclavius muscle. Due to its location and relatively small size the muscle is hardly palpable.

Subclavius muscle (ventral view)

Innervation

The innervation is carried by the subclavian nerve (C5-6), a branch of the brachial plexus.

Recommended video: Subclavius muscle
Attachments, innervation and functions of the subclavius muscle.

Function

The main task of the subclavius muscle is the active stabilization of the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint during movements of the shoulder and arm. Furthermore its contraction leads to a depression of the clavicle and elevation of the first rib respectively. These movements however play a rather subordinate role.

Clinical points

The vessels and nerves running behind the subclavius muscle can sometimes get entrapped in the room between the clavicle and the first rib (costoclavicular space). This is referred to as the costoclavicular syndrome and marks one of the three types of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Causes can be fractures and thoracic deformities amongst others. Typical symptoms are irritations of the brachial plexus and circulatory disorders of the arm.

Subclavius muscle: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,168,736 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Show references

References:

  • M. Schünke/E. Schulte/U. Schumacher: Prometheus – LernAtlas der Anatomie – Allgemeine Anatomie und Bewegungssystem, 2.Auflage, Thieme Verlag (2007), S.294-295
  • J. E. Muscolino: The muscular system manual – The skeletal muscles of the human body, 2.Auflage, Elsevier Mosby (2005), S.266-268
  • P. Reuter: Springer Lexikon Medizin, Springer Verlag (2004), S.1183

Author:

  • Achudhan Karunaharamoorthy

Illustrators:

  • Subclavius muscle (ventral view) - Yousun Koh
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Related diagrams and images

Continue your learning

Read more articles

Anterior abdominal muscles
This article covers the anatomy of the rectus abdominis and pyramidalis muscles, their functions, and clinical aspects. Learn now more at Kenhub!
Lateral abdominal muscles
These three muscles form the lateral abdominal musculature. Learn their origin, insertion and innervation now at Kenhub
Intercostal muscles
This article describes the anatomy of intercostal muscles, including origins and insertions, functions, and innervation. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Intercostal spaces
This article describes the anatomy of intercostal space, its boundaries, muscle contents and neurovascular bundles. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Rectus sheath
In this article we describe the parts, definition, gross and functional anatomy of the rectus sheath. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Anterior abdominal wall
This article describes the different structures that form the anterior abdominal wall and relevant clinical conditions. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Pectoralis minor muscle
This article covers the anatomy of the pectoralis minor muscle, including its function, innervation and clinical aspects. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Pectoralis major muscle
This article describes the anatomy and functions of the pectoralis major muscle, together with clinical points. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Rectus abdominis muscle
This article describes the anatomy of the rectus abdominis muscle, including origin, insertion, innervation and function. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Transversus thoracis muscle
This article covers the anatomy of the transversus thoracis muscle, its function, and innervation. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Serratus anterior muscle
This article covers the anatomy of the serratus anterior muscle, its innervation, functions, and clinical aspects. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Anatomy of breathing
This article describes the process of breathing, including all the anatomy aspects like the muscles of respiration etc. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Clinical case: Giant first rib tumor
This clinical case discusses the radiological findings, management, and related anatomy of a first rib tumor. Click now to find out more at Kenhub!
Clinical case: Necrotizing fasciitis of the anterior abdominal wall
A real case of necrotizing fasciitis: bacteria (cause), symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. Click now to learn more at Kenhub!
Clinical case: Pectoralis minor syndrome
This clinical case discusses the tests, signs, symptoms, imaging, treatment, and anatomy of pectoralis minor syndrome. Click now to learn more at Kenhub!
Iliohypogastric nerve
This is an article covering the anatomy of the iliohypogastric nerve, including its sensory and motor functions. Learn about this topic now at Kenhub!
Abdominal wall
Description of the layers of the abdominal wall, the fascia, muscles and the main nerves and vessels. See diagrams and learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Show 15 more articles

Watch videos

Muscles of the ventral trunk
Attachments, innervation and functions of the muscles of the ventral trunk. [25:24]

Take a quiz

Muscles of the ventral trunk
Overview of the muscles of the ventral trunk.
Custom quiz: Ventral trunk
For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Muscles of the ventral trunk
Overview of the muscles of the ventral trunk.
Well done!

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!