Subclavius muscle
Musculus subclavius
- Related terms: Subclavius
Definition
Subclavius muscle | |||
Origin | First rib and costal cartilage | ||
Insertion | Subclavian groove of clavicle | ||
Artery | Thoracoacromial artery, clavicular branch | ||
Innervation | Nerve to subclavius (brachial plexus) | ||
Action | Depression of clavicle and stability of sternoclavicular joint | ||
The subclavius is a small, cylindrical muscle of the anterior thoracic wall, extending from the first rib to the clavicle. It is positioned inferior to the clavicle and functions primarily to stabilise the clavicle at the sternoclavicular joint, particularly during movements of the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
Attachments
Origin: Junction of the first rib and its costal cartilage
Insertion: The muscle fibres extend superolateral to insert into the subclavian groove on the inferior surface of the clavicle
Innervation
Nerve to subclavius (C5, C6), arising from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus
Blood Supply
Clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery
Functions and Relations
Depresses and anchors the sternal end of clavicle, contributing to sternoclavicular joint stability during shoulder movements
Lies anterior to major neurovascular structures, including the subclavian vessels and trunks of the brachial plexus, thereby acting as a protective cushionparticularly relevant in clavicular fractures
References
Standring, S., & Tubbs, R. S. (Eds.). (2026). Gray's anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (43rd ed.). Elsevier.
