ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma Practice Test

The pectoralis minor muscle has its origin on the 3rd to 5th ribs, making this the correct choice. This muscle is a thin, flat muscle located underneath the pectoralis major and plays a significant role in the movement of the shoulder. Specifically, it helps to stabilize the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall. Understanding this origin is vital for sports massage practitioners, as it helps in addressing issues related to shoulder stabilization and movement patterns in clients, especially athletes who may experience tightness or dysfunction in this area.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the true origin of the pectoralis minor. The clavicle and sternum, mentioned in one alternative, relate more to the pectoralis major. The axillary border of the scapula, another choice, refers to part of the scapula itself rather than the originating ribs, and the 2nd to 5th thoracic vertebrae, while they are involved in back musculature, are not related to the pectoralis minor’s origin. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the muscle’s functional anatomy effectively.