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Coracobrachialis Muscle; Origin, Nerve Supply, Functions

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

Coracobrachialis Muscle is the smallest of the three muscles that attach to the coracoid process of the scapula. (The other two muscles are pectoralis minor and the short head of the biceps brachii.) It is situated at the upper and medial part of the arm. It arises from the apex of the coracoid process, in common with the short head of the biceps brachii, and from the intermuscular septum between the two muscles. It is inserted by means of a flat tendon into an impression at the middle of the medial surface and border of the body of the humerus (shaft of the humerus) between the origins of the triceps brachii and brachialis.

At a Glance Coracobrachialis

  • Function – Flexion and adduction of the arm
  • Origin – a Coracoid process
  • Insertion – Middle of the humerus, on its medial aspect
  • Innervation – Musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6, C7)

Position of coracobrachialis muscle (shown in red)
Details
OriginCoracoid process of the scapula
InsertionThe anteromedial surface of humerus distal to the crest of the lesser tubercle
ArteryBrachial artery
NerveMusculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6, and C7)
Actionsadducts humerus flexes the arm at glenohumeral joint
Identifiers
Latinmusculus coracobrachialis
TAA04.6.02.017
FMA37664
Anatomical terms of muscle

 

It arises from the apex of the coracoid process, in common with the short head of the biceps brachii, and from the intermuscular septum between the two muscles. It is inserted by means of a flat tendon into an impression at the middle of the medial surface and border of the body of the humerus (shaft of the humerus) between the origins of the triceps brachii and brachialis.

Nerve Supply of Coracobrachialis Muscle

  • It is perforated by and innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve which arises from the anterior division of the upper (C5, C6) & middle trunks (C7) of the brachial plexus.

Functions of Coracobrachialis Muscle

  • The action of the coracobrachialis is to flex and adduct the arm at the glenohumeral joint. Also, the coracobrachialis resists deviation of the arm from the frontal plane during the abduction.[rx] Therefore, the contraction of the coracobrachialis leads to two distinct movements at the shoulder joint.
  • It both draws the humerus forward, causing shoulder flexion, and draws the humerus toward the torso, causing shoulder adduction. To a smaller extent, it also turns the humerus inwards, causing internal rotation.[rx]
  • Another important function of the coracobrachialis is the stabilization of the humeral head within the shoulder joint, especially when the arm is hanging freely at a person’s side.[rx]


References

Coracobrachialis Muscle; Origin, Nerve Supply, Functions


Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.