Coracobrachialis
What Is It, Location, and More
Author: Georgina Tiarks
Editors: Alyssa Haag, Józia McGowan, DO
Illustrator: Jessica Reynolds, MS
Copyeditor: Sadia Zaman, MBBS, BSc
What is the coracobrachialis muscle?
The coracobrachialis is a muscle located in the anterior (i.e., front) compartment of the upper arm. It is responsible for flexion (i.e., movement to decrease the angle between limb and joint) and adduction (i.e., movement towards the center of the body) at the glenohumeral joint, located in the shoulder.
Similar to other anterior arm muscles (e.g., the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles), the coracobrachialis is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve, which originates from spinal nerves C5-C7. Additionally, the brachial artery supplies the coracobrachialis with blood.
Where is the coracobrachialis muscle located?
The coracobrachialis muscle is located in the anterior, upper compartment of the arm. It is situated near the short head of the biceps brachii and originates at the coracoid process of the scapula, a protuberance of the shoulder bone. The coracobrachialis then inserts at the mid-shaft of the humerus (i.e., the upper arm bone).
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What does the coracobrachialis do?
The coracobrachialis produces flexion and adduction at the glenohumeral joint (i.e., shoulder joint).
Can you strain your coracobrachialis?
The coracobrachialis can be pulled, or strained, through trauma or overuse. This may present as pain or tenderness at the upper portion of the arm, especially during arm movement.
What are the most important facts to know about coracobrachialis?
The coracobrachialis muscle is located in the upper arm anteriorly. The muscle originates at the coracoid process of the scapula and inserts at the shaft of the humerus. It is used for flexion and adduction of the shoulder joint. It can be strained, causing symptoms such as tenderness of the upper arm.
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Start Your Free TrialRelated links
Introduction to the muscular systemBones of the upper limb
Anatomy of the arm
Vessels and nerves of the forearm
Fascia, vessels, and nerves of the upper limb
Resources for research and reference
Chukwuemeka, U., & Jackson, K. (2022). Coracobrachialis Muscle. In Physiopedia. Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Coracobrachialis_Muscle
Morton, D. A., Foreman, K. B., & Albertine, K. H. (2019a). Arm. In The Big Picture: Gross Anatomy (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Morton, D. A., Foreman, K. B., & Albertine, K. H. (2019b). Overview of the Upper Limb. In The Big Picture: Gross Anatomy (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
