Subclavius is a relatively minor muscle that lies inferior to the clavicle, deep to pectoralis major, on each side.
It tendon originates from the junction of the first rib with its costal cartilage. Becoming muscular, it passes obliquely lateral and superior to insert into the inferior surface of the clavicle at the subclavian groove - the inferior surface of the middle third of the clavicle.
Subclavius is innervated by the nerve to subclavius from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. It has a root value of C5, C6.
Its action is to stabilise the clavicle during movements of the pectoral girdle. It acts to depress the lateral end of the clavicle and pull it slightly anteriorly. Its presence may provide protection to the subclavian vein - which lies deeply - when the clavicle is fractured. Loss of subclavius function rarely produces clinical features.
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