Functions of Subclavius Muscle, Origin

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 3 min read

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Functions of Subclavius Muscle/Subclavius Muscle is a small triangular muscle, placed between the clavicle and the first rib. Along with the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, the subclavius muscle makes up the Anterior Axioappendicular Muscles also known as an anterior wall of the axilla....

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Anatomy of Subclavius Muscle in simple medical language.
This article explains Nerve Supply of Subclavius Muscle in simple medical language.
This article explains Functions of Subclavius Muscle in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

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Definition

Functions of Subclavius Muscle/Subclavius Muscle is a small triangular muscle, placed between the clavicle and the first rib. Along with the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, the subclavius muscle makes up the Anterior Axioappendicular Muscles also known as an anterior wall of the axilla.

At a Glance of Subclavius

Function – Depression and stabilization of the clavicle
Origin – First rib medially
Insertion – Middle of the clavicle, inferiorly
Innervation – Nerve to subclavius (C5, C6)

[stextbox id=’info’]

Details
Deep muscles of the chest and front of the arm, with the boundaries of the axilla. (Subclavius visible at upper left, above the first rib.)
Origin	first rib and cartilage
Insertion	subclavian groove of the clavicle (inferior surface of middle one-third of the clavicle)
Artery	thoracoacromial trunk, clavicular branch
Nerve	subclavian nerve
Actions	depression of clavicle elevation of the first rib
Identifiers
Latin	musculus subclavius
TA	A04.4.01.007
FMA	13410
*Anatomical terms of muscle*

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Anatomy of Subclavius Muscle

It arises by a short, thick tendon from the first rib and its cartilage at their junction, in front of the costoclavicular ligament. The fleshy fibers proceed obliquely superolateral, to be inserted into the groove on the undersurface of the clavicle.

Nerve Supply of Subclavius Muscle

The nerve to subclavius (or subclavian nerve) innervates the muscle. This arises from the junction of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves, from the Superior/upper trunk of the brachial plexus.
Insertion into the coracoid process instead of the clavicle or into both clavicle and coracoid process. Sternoscapular fasciculus to the upper border of the scapula. Sternoclavicular from manubrium to clavicle between the pectoralis major and coracoclavicular fascia.^[rx]

Functions of Subclavius Muscle

The subclavius depresses the shoulder, carrying it downward and forward. It draws the clavicle inferiorly as well as anteriorly.
The subclavius protects the underlying brachial plexus and subclavian vessels from a broken clavicle – the most frequently broken long bone.
The main task of the subclavius muscle is the active stabilization of the clavicle in the sternoclavicular joint during movements of the shoulder and arm. Furthermore, its contraction leads to a depression of the clavicle and elevation of the first rib respectively. These movements, however, play a rather subordinate role.

References

Functions of Subclavius Muscle, Origin

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

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Questions to ask

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How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
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Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

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Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

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Get urgent help if

Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.

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For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

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Step 2
Record the symptom story

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Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

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Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

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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.

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