Sternocostal head of pectoralis major

Mid chest · Chest

Origin: Front of the sternum and the cartilages of the upper six ribs
Insertion: Lateral lip of the bicipital groove of the humerus
Action: Adducts and medially rotates the arm; brings it across the chest
Nerve supply: Medial and lateral pectoral nerves (C7–T1)

The largest part of the chest muscle, with fibres running horizontally from the breastbone to the arm. It does most of the work in flat bench presses, push-ups and flyes.

Main exercises

Also works in

Exercises listed for the pectoralis major as a whole

Sternocostal head of pectoralis major anatomy page →

Exercises that train the sternocostal head of pectoralis major

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