coracobrachialis muscle (anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Coracobrachialis is a short muscle of the superior and medial part of the arm. It originates from the tip of the coracoid process of the scapula. At this point, it is in continuity with the short head of biceps brachii. During its course distally, it is pierced by the musculocutaneous nerve.

It inserts into the middle third of the medial border of the humerus. Its actions are to:

• weakly flex the arm
• weakly adduct the arm
• stabilize the shoulder joint

Coracobrachialis is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (C5-7) from the lateral cord.