Coracobrachialis (Musculus coracobrachialis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The medial compartment muscle of the arm, from the coracoid process to the middle of the humeral shaft medially; the musculocutaneous nerve pierces its body — a classic anatomical landmark — linking it to the anterior compartment with biceps and brachialis.
Origin & insertion
Apex of the coracoid process, sharing a common tendon with the short head of biceps brachii. Middle of the medial border of the humeral shaft.
Action
Flexes the arm at the shoulder and adducts it with moderate force.
Innervation
Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–C7), piercing the muscle.
Clinical notes
The musculocutaneous nerve pierces it; rare entrapment weakens the elbow flexors with lateral-forearm numbness — distinguishing it from a C5 root lesion is essential.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Coracobrachialis?
The medial compartment muscle of the arm, from the coracoid process to the middle of the humeral shaft medially; the musculocutaneous nerve pierces its body — a classic anatomical landmark — linking it to the anterior compartment with biceps and brachialis.
Why is the Coracobrachialis clinically important?
The musculocutaneous nerve pierces it; rare entrapment weakens the elbow flexors with lateral-forearm numbness — distinguishing it from a C5 root lesion is essential.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details