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Anatly

Coracobrachialis: origin, insertion, nerve supply and action

Also called: coracobrachialis muscle

Quick answer

The coracobrachialis is a slender muscle in the upper medial arm. It arises from the tip of the coracoid process of the scapula and inserts on the middle third of the medial humerus. The musculocutaneous nerve pierces and supplies it, and it flexes and adducts the arm at the shoulder.

Key facts

OriginTip of the coracoid process of the scapula (with the short head of biceps).
InsertionMiddle third of the medial surface of the humeral shaft.
InnervationMusculocutaneous nerve (C5-C7).
Blood supplyMuscular branches of the brachial artery.
ActionFlexes and adducts the arm at the shoulder; helps resist dislocation of the humeral head.
3D model of the coracobrachialis shown with nearby bones

3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.

About the coracobrachialis

The coracobrachialis forms a landmark in the axilla and upper arm: the musculocutaneous nerve pierces the muscle and the brachial artery runs along its medial border.

Its tendon of origin fuses with the short head of the biceps brachii.

Clinical relevance

Frequently asked questions

Which nerve passes through the coracobrachialis?

The musculocutaneous nerve pierces the muscle and supplies it.

What does the coracobrachialis do?

It flexes and adducts the arm at the shoulder joint.

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