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Coracobrachialis

Contents

Anatomy

 

Coracobrachialis - anterior view
Coracobrachialis - anterolateral view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Processus coracoideus of the scapula

Insertion

  • Along the medial side of the humerus (middle 1/3)

Main function

  • Shoulder
    • Flexion
    • Adduction

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C5-C7
  • Peripheral
    • Nervus musculocutaneus

Arterial supply

  • Brachial artery
  • Anterior circumflex humeral artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Sitting
  • Place the arm of the patient in a partly abducted and lateral rotated position
  • Localize the pectoralis major by the armpit (axilla) first
  • Feel your way slightly posteriorly while you press laterally towards humerus
    • You should be able to feel both the biceps and coracobrachialis at this location
  • Localize the biceps by letting the patient perform flexion of the elbow
  • Palpate posteriorly to biceps so that you are able to feel coracobrachialis
  • To further distinguish the muscle, give resistance in an abduction direction so that the patient is giving force towards adduction of the shoulder

Strength test

  • Patient position: Sitting or standing
  • Place the arm of the patient in full flexion and supination of the elbow, and then in abduction and lateral rotation of the shoulder
  • Give resistance towards the anteromedial aspect of the arm just above the elbow in extension and somewhat abduction direction, so that the patient is giving force towards flexion and adduction of the shoulder