The pectoralis major is a muscle of the chest that extends from the breastbone to the shoulder. The two pectorlis major muscles are often referred to as “the pecs”. There is also the pectoralis minor muscle that is located beneath the pectoralis major.
The pectoralis major has four basic actions:
1. It aids
in flexing the humerus (upper arm). For example, a male dancer lifting his
partner.
2. It assists
in adducting the arm.
3. It aids
in rotating the humerus, (think arm-wrestling,wood-chopping).
4. It helps
keep the arm attached to the body(!)
In other words, it is responsible for the
movements of the arms, and thus is critical for dancers in their port de bras. The
pectoralis major is also important during deep breathing, because it helps pull
the ribcage outward, allowing the lungs to expand.
From
the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance
History Factoid # 94
“The
pectoralis major is a muscle of the chest and is shaped like a fan.”
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