Pecs, short for pectoral muscles, refer to the prominent muscles located on the front of the chest wall. The term "pecs" is widely used in informal contexts and specifically denotes highly developed or well-defined pectoral muscles. These muscles play a significant role in movements of the arms, shoulders, and upper body, contributing to the flexion, adduction, and rotation of the arms.
Anatomically, the pectoral muscles consist of two primary components: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is the larger and more superficial muscle, forming the broad, V-shaped appearance of the chest. It originates from the clavicle, sternum, and upper ribs, and inserts into the upper arm bone, known as the humerus. The pectoralis minor lies underneath the pectoralis major and originates from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs before attaching to the coracoid process of the shoulder blade, or scapula.
The pectoral muscles are crucial for various upper body movements, including pushing, pulling, and lifting actions. Furthermore, they contribute to overall strength and stability in the chest, shoulder, and arm regions. Regular resistance exercises, such as push-ups, bench presses, or dumbbell flyes, can help to develop and tone the pectoral muscles, leading to a more defined chest appearance, often referred to colloquially as "pecs."
