Musculus pectoralis descendens
The most superficial pectoral muscle, visible as the muscular chest between the forelegs. Adducts the forelimb and advances the trunk.
Origin: Cranial sternum and manubrium
Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus
Action: Adducts the forelimb; advances the trunk over the planted limb
Innervation: Cranial pectoral nerves (C7-C8)
Poorly fitted girths that sit too far forward compress the descending pectoral against the humerus.
Poorly fitted girths that sit too far forward compress the descending pectoral against the humerus. Signs include: Girth sores behind the elbow; reluctance to girth up; shortened forelimb stride; swelling in the girth area; behavioral changes when saddling.
See the Superficial Descending Pectoral on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model