Clavicular head of pectoralis major

Upper chest · Chest

Origin: Front of the medial half of the clavicle
Insertion: Lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus
Action: Flexes the arm and brings it across the body
Nerve supply: Lateral pectoral nerve (C5–C7)

The upper fibres of the chest, running from the collarbone down and out to the arm. They lift the arm forward and up, which is why incline presses load them more than flat presses do.

Main exercises

Also works in

Exercises listed for the pectoralis major as a whole

Clavicular head of pectoralis major anatomy page →

Exercises that train the clavicular head of pectoralis major

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

Exercises listed for the pectoralis major as a whole

Pull-up — assists
Plank — assists

Other parts of the pectoralis major

Sources

Last updated 18 October 2026. For education only — not medical advice, and not reviewed by a clinician.