Coracobrachialis · What Is It, Location, and More

Published: Jan 06, 2025
Author: Georgina Tiarks•
Editor: Alyssa Haag•
Editor: Józia McGowan, DO
Illustrator: Jessica Reynolds, MS•
Copyeditor: Sadia Zaman, MBBS, BSc
7-day free trial

Go deeper with Osmosis

Osmosis is a learning platform with videos, questions, and AI tools to help you master topics like this.

4.8 · 12,000+ reviews
Watch quick, visual videos
Practice with Qbank-style questions
Use AI to explain, quiz, and review
Study anytime with the mobile app
Start free trial

No credit card · Cancel anytime

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.

Learn deeper with Osmosis

Master this topic faster with videos, questions, and AI.

Used by 8M+ healthcare learners.

Start free trial

No credit card · Cancel anytime

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).

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. 
Related topics
9:44

Introduction to the muscular system

21:01

Bones of the upper limb

16:19

Anatomy of the arm

12:52

Vessels and nerves of the forearm

Students say Osmosis is 100% worth it

Because Osmosis saves them time. Lowers stress. And actually helps them remember when it counts.

I used Osmosis to prepare for my first medical school licensing exam! Super helpful and interactive for people who may not do great with just pages of text info!

Cecilia Ruiz

Cecilia Ruiz

MD student

Sayan Misra

I have used Osmosis for about four years. Best thing I have ever used for my medical studies.

Sayan Misra

Sayan Misra

Med student

Osmosis videos are superior because they define simple concepts, tell a story with a clear progression, and provide context.

Jay Pate

Jay Pate

Dental student

References

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.