Exploring the coracobrachialis muscle
The coracobrachialis muscle doesn’t often get a lot of attention. But, it’s worth knowing something about because it can be the missing piece of shoulder or arm pain.
What does the name coracobrachialis mean?
The name of this muscle basically describes its attachments in the body. The first part of this muscle’s name, ‘coraco’ refers to its attachment on the coracoid process of the scapula. The second part of the name of this muscle, ‘brachialis’ refers to the attachment at the other end of the muscle on the shaft of the humerus, the upper arm bone. Finally, brachialis comes from the word brachium which means arm.
Where does the coracobrachialis muscle attach?
Origin
Coracobrachialis originates on the coracoid process of the scapula between the pectoralis minor and biceps brachii.
Insertion
Coracobrachialis inserts on the anterior and medial side of the shaft of the humerus, between the brachialis and the medial head of triceps brachii.
Learn all of your muscles
go to 3d muscle lab
What actions does the coracobrachialis muscle do?
The coracobrachialis does flexion and adduction of the arm at the shoulder. Additionally, it assists with internal, or medial, rotation. When we abduct and extend our arm, coracobrachialis functions as an antagonist to the deltoid and contributes to stabilizing the head of the humerus in the socket.
Poses where this muscle contracts
We are flexing the arm at the shoulder when raising the arm to grab the toe in uttita hasta padangusthasana, which would contract this muscle.
Poses where this muscle is lengthened
When we abduct our arms, like when we reach them out from our sides to raise them in poses like utkatasana, we lengthen this muscle.
