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Coracobrachialis Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action

Coracobrachialis Anatomy

Coracobrachialis Muscle

Origin:  Lateral aspect of the apex of the coracoid process of the scapula
Insertion:  Medial aspect of the midshaft of the humerus
Actions: Flexion of the arm at the shoulder
Innervation: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5 C6 C7)
Blood Supply: Muscular branches from the brachial artery

For information about coracobrachialis muscle referred pain symptoms see:

Coracobrachialis Muscle: Arm, Shoulder And Hand Pain

Primary Actions of the Coracobrachialis

1.  Flexion of the arm at the shoulder

Agonists:

  • Deltoid (anterior part)
  • Biceps Brachii
  • Pectoralis Major (clavicular head)

  Antagonists:

  • Deltoid (posterior part)
  • Triceps Brachii (long head)
  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Pectoralis Major (sternal head)
  • Teres Major

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Secondary Actions of the Coracobrachialis:

1. Assists with adduction of the arm at the shoulder

  Agonists:

  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Teres Major
  • Pectoralis Major
  • Triceps Brachii (long head)

  Antagonists:

  • Deltoid (middle part)
  • Supraspinatus

Coracobrachialis and teres minor assist with adduction of the arm at the shoulder when the arm is returning from the abducted position.