The subclavius m. is a small triangular muscle, placed between the clavicle and the first rib. Along with the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, the subclavius muscle makes up the anterior wall of the axilla.Â
The nerve to subclavius (or subclavian nerve), which arises from the point of junction of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves, where is called the upper trunk of brachial plexus, innervates the muscle.
The subclavius depresses the shoulder, carrying it downward and forward. It draws the clavicle inferiorly as well as anteriorly. In addition, the subclavius protects the underlying brachial plexus and subclavian vessels from a broken clavicle - the most frequently broken long bone.