pectoral muscle
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Either of two large muscles of the chest: A "pectoral muscle" is one of the major paired muscles located in the upper front part of the torso, responsible for movements of the shoulder and arm.
Usage
- The term "pectoral muscle" is used in anatomical, medical, fitness, and general contexts to refer specifically to these chest muscles. It is often used in the plural form ("pectoral muscles").
- It functions as a countable noun.
Examples
- Noun:
- Strength training often targets the pectoral muscle to build the chest.
- The surgeon carefully avoided the major pectoral muscle during the procedure.
- He felt a strain in his left pectoral muscle after lifting the heavy weight.
Advanced Usage
- "Pectoral" as an adjective: When used alone, "pectoral" can describe anything relating to the chest or breast.
- The doctor listened to his pectoral region with a stethoscope.
- In compound anatomical terms: The full term specifies which of the two major muscles.
- The pectoralis major is the larger, fan-shaped pectoral muscle.
- The pectoralis minor is the smaller, triangular pectoral muscle beneath the major.
Variants and Related Words
- Pectoralis (n): The Latin-derived anatomical name for the pectoral muscles. Often used with "major" or "minor".
- The pectoralis major is a powerful adductor of the arm.
- Pecs (n, informal): A common slang term for the pectoral muscles.
- He works out to define his pecs.
- Chest muscle (n): A general, non-technical synonym.
Synonyms
- Chest muscle: A general descriptive synonym.
- Pectoralis: The formal anatomical term.
Related Phrases
- To work one's pectorals: To exercise the chest muscles.
- This exercise is excellent for working your pectorals.
- Pectoral girdle: The anatomical structure (shoulder girdle) to which the pectoral muscles attach.
- The pectoral muscles connect the arm to the pectoral girdle.
Noun
- either of two large muscles of the chest