The coracobrachialis connects the coracoid to the humeral shaft, serving as the coracoid muscle that links the scapula to the arm. The musculocutaneous nerve pierces the coracobrachialis, making it the muscle used to identify this nerve.
| Origin | Coracoid process of the scapula — tip |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Medial shaft of the humerus — middle third |
| Nerve Supply | Musculocutaneous nerve (C6, C7) — the nerve pierces the muscle |
| Blood Supply | Brachial artery — muscular branches |
| Actions | Flexes the shoulder; Adducts the humerus; Stabilises the glenohumeral joint against inferior subluxation |
|---|
The musculocutaneous nerve piercing the coracobrachialis is the surgical landmark for nerve identification in the axilla. Coracoid impingement syndrome (subcoracoid impingement) involves the coracobrachialis tendon among the structures compressed between the coracoid and the subscapularis.
Palpated as the medial axillary cord during resisted shoulder flexion and adduction.
Musculocutaneous nerve piercing the coracobrachialis used for nerve identification in axillary approach surgery and brachial plexus exploration.
