Anatomy of the Chest Muscles Home -> Advanced Training -> Muscular Anatomy -> Chest Anatomy Anatomy Chart courtesy of FCIT The Pectoralis Major muscles (also known as the Pecs) are located on the front of the rib cage. The Pecs attach to the humerus near the shoulder joint and originate on the breastbone in the center of the chest. The fibers of the Pectoralis muscles run like a fan across the chest. The fan-like structure of the Pecs allows the humerus to move in a variety of planes across the body. The Pectoralis Minor muscle (not shown in the diagram) is located underneath the pectoralis major muscle, attaching to the coracoid process of the scapula and originating on the middle ribs. Functions The function of the Pectoralis Major is to bring the humerus across the chest. A flye movement is the best example of this action. The Pectoralis Minor serves to move the shoulder area forward. This can be seen by shrugging your shoulder forward. Exercises Exercises that work the Pectoralis muscles include: Flat barbell bench press Dumbell flyes Push-ups Incline barbell bench press Cable crossovers Dips Flat dumbell bench press Pec deck machine   Here is a list of unique exercises and articles for the chest that have been published in our monthly training newsletter "BetterU News" and on our membership site Powerful Training Secrets Free Trial area (these links will open in new windows). Lockout Partial Bench Press Combo For Strengthening Connective Tissue Concentration Flyes Rolled-Up Towel For Bench Press Secret Training Tip #995 - How To Effectively Work and Build the Upper Chest How To Do The Perfect Bench Press Rep Training The Stretch - A Stretch Position Superset That Will Pile on Muscle Secret Training Tip #579 - Power Rack Dips - A Unique Set-Up For a More Powerful Dip Unstable And Proud Of It! This amazing technique turns the ordinary push-up into an exercise "in stability."