Pectoralis major

Pecs · Chest

Origin: Clavicle, sternum, upper costal cartilages and the external oblique aponeurosis
Insertion: Lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus
Action: Flexes, adducts and medially rotates the arm

The large fan-shaped chest muscle. Its clavicular (upper) fibres favour incline pressing, while the sternocostal fibres do most of the work in flat presses, dips and flyes.

Main exercises

Also works in

Pectoralis major anatomy page →

Exercises that train the pectoralis major

Barbell bench press — main mover
Incline bench press — main mover
Dumbbell fly — main mover
Push-up — main mover
Parallel bar dip — main mover
Pull-up — assists
Chin-up — assists
Overhead press — assists

Nearby muscles

Pectoralis minor
Serratus anterior