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Transverse pectoralis muscle
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
The transverse thoracic muscle (m. transversus thoracis) is located on the posterior (inner) surface of the anterior chest wall. This muscle originates on the xiphoid process, the lower half of the body of the sternum. The muscle bundles, fanning out laterally and upward, are attached to the cartilages of the II-VI ribs with individual teeth. The lower bundles of the muscle run horizontally, closely adjoining the upper bundles of the transverse abdominal muscle. The middle bundles are oriented obliquely from bottom to top and laterally, and the upper ones run almost vertically from bottom to top.
Function of the transverse thoracic muscle: supported by the sternum, this muscle pulls the costal cartilages down, lowers the ribs, and participates in the act of exhalation.
Innervation of the transverse thoracic muscle: intercostal nerves (ThII-ThVI).
Blood supply of the transverse chest muscle: internal thoracic artery.
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