VTCT Massage therapy course - Muscles
(Level 3 version) Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
pectoralis minior - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Ribs 3 and 5
*Insertion* = Coracoid process
*Function* = Stabilises the scapula by drawing it anteroinferiorly against the thoracic wall.
*Innervation* = Medial *pectoral nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = thoracoacromial artery
Subclavicus - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Costochondrial junction of rib 1
*Insertion* = Subclavian groove of the clavicle
*Function* = Anchors and depresses the clavicle.
*Innervation* = The *nerve to subclavius* (orsubclavian nerve)
*Arterial supply* = clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery and the suprascapular artery
Trapezius - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Superior nuchal line, external occipital
protuberance, nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae, intervening supraspinous
ligament
*Insertion* = Posterior border of lateral 1/3 of clavicle, medial border of acromion, and superior lip
of the spine of the scapula.
, *Function* = The upper fibres of the trapezius elevate the scapula and rotates it during abduction of
the arm. The middle fibres retract the scapula and the lower fibres pull the scapula inferiorly.
*Innervation* = Motor innervation is from the *accessory nerve*. It also receives proprioceptor
fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves.
*Arterial supply* = superficial branch of transverse cervical artery or superficial cervical artery
Rhomboid minor - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = C7 & T1 spinous processes
*Insertion* = Medial border of scapula at root of spine
*Function* = Retracts and rotates the scapula.
*Innervation* = Dorsal *scapular nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = Dorsal scapular artery
Latissimus dorsi - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = T6 - T12 spinous processes, lumbosacral
fascia and iliac crest
*Insertion* = Floor of the intertubercular groove of the humerus
*Function* = Extends, adducts and medially rotates the upper limb.
*Innervation* = *Thoracodorsal nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = Thoracodorsal artery (a branch of the subscapular artery)
Pectoralis major - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Manubrium and body of sternum, upper 6
costal cartilages, external oblique aponeurosis (sternocostal head); Medial ½ of anterior surface of
clavicle (clavicular head)
(Level 3 version) Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
pectoralis minior - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Ribs 3 and 5
*Insertion* = Coracoid process
*Function* = Stabilises the scapula by drawing it anteroinferiorly against the thoracic wall.
*Innervation* = Medial *pectoral nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = thoracoacromial artery
Subclavicus - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Costochondrial junction of rib 1
*Insertion* = Subclavian groove of the clavicle
*Function* = Anchors and depresses the clavicle.
*Innervation* = The *nerve to subclavius* (orsubclavian nerve)
*Arterial supply* = clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery and the suprascapular artery
Trapezius - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Superior nuchal line, external occipital
protuberance, nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae, intervening supraspinous
ligament
*Insertion* = Posterior border of lateral 1/3 of clavicle, medial border of acromion, and superior lip
of the spine of the scapula.
, *Function* = The upper fibres of the trapezius elevate the scapula and rotates it during abduction of
the arm. The middle fibres retract the scapula and the lower fibres pull the scapula inferiorly.
*Innervation* = Motor innervation is from the *accessory nerve*. It also receives proprioceptor
fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves.
*Arterial supply* = superficial branch of transverse cervical artery or superficial cervical artery
Rhomboid minor - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = C7 & T1 spinous processes
*Insertion* = Medial border of scapula at root of spine
*Function* = Retracts and rotates the scapula.
*Innervation* = Dorsal *scapular nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = Dorsal scapular artery
Latissimus dorsi - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = T6 - T12 spinous processes, lumbosacral
fascia and iliac crest
*Insertion* = Floor of the intertubercular groove of the humerus
*Function* = Extends, adducts and medially rotates the upper limb.
*Innervation* = *Thoracodorsal nerve*.
*Arterial supply* = Thoracodorsal artery (a branch of the subscapular artery)
Pectoralis major - CORRECT ANSWERS *Origin* = Manubrium and body of sternum, upper 6
costal cartilages, external oblique aponeurosis (sternocostal head); Medial ½ of anterior surface of
clavicle (clavicular head)
