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Skeletal Muscles of the Thoracic Region

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  • Pectoralis major

    Adducts and flexes the arm at the shoulder; helps bring the arm across the chest.

  • Pectoralis minor

    Stabilizes the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and downward; assists in deep inhalation by elevating the ribs.

  • Serratus anterior

    Protracts and stabilizes the scapula; important for pushing and punching movements.

  • Intercostal muscles

    Located between the ribs; external intercostals elevate the rib cage during inhalation, internal intercostals depress it during exhalation.

  • Diaphragm

    Main muscle of respiration; contracts and flattens to increase thoracic cavity volume during inhalation.

  • Subclavius

    Stabilizes and depresses the clavicle.

  • Primary function of pectoralis major

    Adduction and flexion of the arm at the shoulder joint.

  • Role of pectoralis minor in breathing

    Assists in deep inhalation by elevating the ribs.

  • Function of serratus anterior in scapula movement

    Protracts (pulls forward) and stabilizes the scapula.

  • External intercostal muscles action

    Elevate the rib cage to aid inhalation.

  • Internal intercostal muscles action

    Depress the rib cage to aid exhalation.

  • How does the diaphragm aid breathing?

    By contracting and flattening, it increases thoracic cavity volume for inhalation.

  • Muscle that stabilizes the clavicle

    The subclavius muscle.

  • Muscles involved in arm and shoulder movement in the thoracic region

    Pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior.

  • Muscles involved in breathing in the thoracic region

    Diaphragm, external and internal intercostals, pectoralis minor.

  • Function of intercostal muscles

    Assist with breathing by elevating or depressing the rib cage.

  • How does the pectoralis minor stabilize the scapula?

    By drawing it anteriorly and downward.

  • Key functions of thoracic skeletal muscles

    Movement of arms and shoulders, breathing, and stabilizing the shoulder girdle.