Synonyms
Latin: M. pectoralis major
Definition
The large pectoral muscle (Musculus pectoralis major) occupies the largest part of the front wall of the thorax. The muscle has three original parts. The main part comes from the outer surface of the sternum, another part from the medial third of the clavicle and a smaller part from the anterior traction of the rectus sheath.
When the arm is hanging down, the large pectoral muscle assumes an almost square shape, while when the arm is raised, it has an almost triangular shape. Embouchure: Large hump of the humerus (Crista tuberculi majoris humeri) Origin: Innervation: Nn. pectorales
- Pars clavicularis: inner two thirds of the clavicle
- Pars sternocotalis: sternum and 2nd – 7th rib cartilage
- Pars abdomialis: anterior rectus sheath
Function
The function of the large pectoral muscle is adduction, anteversion and internal rotation of the stretched arm. This can be clearly seen in the example of breaststroke. In athletic throwing and pushing disciplines, a well developed chest musculature of the athletes can also be seen, which explains a strain on the large chest musculature.
In order to train the large chest muscle, several exercises have become established in weight training. In addition to the classic bench press, the following is a list of exercises for chest muscle training An overview of all relevant topics in the area of strength training can be found in the overview strength training
- Bench press
- Butterfly
- Butterfly cable pull
- Flying
To set an optimal stretch stimulus for the large pectoral muscle, the athlete should stand against a wall. Forearms and upper arms form a right angle at shoulder height. The upper body is actively moved away from the arm.
Common diseases
If the musculus pectoralis major is missing on one side, this is called Poland syndrome. Overexertion during sports can cause painful inflammation of the pectoralis major muscle, which is accompanied by restrictions in movement. Other causes of pectoral inflammation include bruising of the rib cage and rib fracture.
In case of an inflammation of the chest muscle with pain, a doctor should always be consulted with whom further treatment options can be discussed. If swelling of the chest muscle occurs, bruising may occur. If the large pectoral muscle or also the pectoralis major muscle is tense or even inflamed, this can cause severe pain in the breast.
Since the muscle is very large and is attached to the upper arm with all its parts, the pain can also radiate into the shoulder and the entire arm. Typical here are chest, shoulder, elbow, wrist and forearm pain. Usually the pain in the chest area increases when local pressure is applied to the muscle.
Due to the functions of the pectoralis major muscle, such as internal rotation, adduction and anteversion, it is still quite possible that lifting the arm to the side causes pain and the shoulder is rolled inwards. Furthermore, the pectoralis major muscle functions as a respiratory auxiliary muscle. This means that it facilitates breathing in and out.
As a result, inhalation often causes pain when tension is present. For the first self-therapy, a massage ball can be used, which can be rolled around on the corresponding muscle. If the large chest muscle is pulled, this can cause severe pain.
All the movements that the muscle normally performs, i.e. turning the arm inwards, lifting the arm and moving it back to the side, are very painful and almost completely restricted. The cause of a strain is usually due to intensive strength training. The muscle has not been warmed up properly and is therefore not sufficiently stretched.
Under high loads, this can lead to a pulled muscle or even to a torn muscle fibre. As in every sport, it is therefore necessary to warm up the muscles sufficiently before the sport so that a torn muscle fiber does not occur, which must be treated directly. In order to prevent this and to counteract the strain, the training must be interrupted.
The muscle needs time to regenerate and recover. Directly after the tear, the muscle can be cooled for a short time, about 20 minutes. Afterwards it should be protected exclusively. The training break must be kept until the pain subsides.In order to prevent a recurrence of a pulled muscle, it is first necessary to re-stress the muscle slowly and carefully.
