GENERAL INFORMATION
The Coracobrachialis is a small muscle located in the anterior compartment of the arm. Importantly, it is one of the muscles that contribute to the movements of the shoulder and elbow joints.
ORIGIN
The Coracobrachialis originates from the coracoid process of the scapula, a notable bony projection at the front of the shoulder blade.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts onto the medial surface of the humerus (upper arm bone), specifically the middle third of the shaft.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The Coracobrachialis muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the brachial artery. Which notably is a continuation of the axillary artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
Moreover, the musculocutaneous nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus, innervates the Coracobrachialis muscle.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the Coracobrachialis muscle are relatively rare but may cause localised pain and referred pain to the anterior shoulder or upper arm.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Furthermore, the concentric function of the Coracobrachialis muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres, resulting in flexion and adduction of the shoulder joint. This action assists in movements such as lifting the arm or throwing.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
Additionally, the eccentric function of the Coracobrachialis muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. It aids in controlling the extension and abduction of the shoulder joint.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Similarly, the isometric function of the Coracobrachialis muscle involves contracting and generating tension without changing its length. This function helps stabilise the shoulder joint during weight-bearing activities and maintain proper alignment.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- None
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Deltoid (anterior fibres): Located at the front of the shoulder, this muscle assists in shoulder flexion and internal rotation.
- Pectoralis major (clavicular fibres): Found in the upper chest, it aids in shoulder flexion, adduction, and internal rotation.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or tears: Overstretching or excessive contraction of the Coracobrachialis muscle may lead to muscle fibre damage, causing pain and weakness.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons of the Coracobrachialis muscle, commonly occurring at the insertion point on the humerus due to repetitive use.
- Shoulder impingement: Compression of the structures in the shoulder joint, including the Coracobrachialis tendon, results in pain and restricted range of motion.
EXERCISES
- Standing cable curls with shoulder adduction: Use a cable machine to perform curls while pulling the arm across the body to engage the Coracobrachialis.
- Seated dumbbell curls with shoulder adduction: Sit with dumbbells and curl them while adducting the shoulders to target the Coracobrachialis.
- Cross-body hammer curls: Perform hammer curls while bringing the arm across the body to work the Coracobrachialis.
- Single-arm cable press-downs: Use a cable machine to press down with one arm, focusing on shoulder adduction to engage the Coracobrachialis.
STRETCHES
- Cross-body stretch: Bring one arm across the chest and use the opposite hand to pull gently, stretching the shoulder and upper arm.
- The doorway stretches with adduction: Stand in a doorway with one arm against the frame and step forward to stretch the shoulder and chest.
- Behind-the-back stretch: Reach one arm behind the back and use the opposite hand to pull gently, stretching the shoulder and upper arm.
- Shoulder internal rotation stretch: Use a resistance band or towel to gently pull the arm into internal rotation, stretching the shoulder muscles.