What are the chest muscles commonly called?

• A. Pectorals
• B. Latissimus dorsi
• C. Trapezius
• D. Obliques

Answer: (A)

Chest muscles are commonly called the pectorals. This group, mainly the pectoralis major, sits across the front of the chest and powers pushing movements by bringing the arm forward and toward the body and rotating it inward. The pectoralis minor lies underneath and helps stabilize the shoulder blade during movements. The other options aren’t on the chest: the latissimus dorsi is a broad back muscle that moves the arm downward and inward from the back; the trapezius runs along the neck and upper back and moves the shoulder blades; the obliques are the side abdominal muscles. So when people refer to the chest muscles, they’re talking about the pectorals.