<P> The pectoralis major ( / ˌpɛktəˈreɪlɪs ˈmeɪdʒər / ) ( from Latin : pectus , breast ) is a thick , fan - shaped muscle , situated at the chest ( anterior ) of the human body . It makes up the bulk of the chest muscles and lies under the breast . Below ( deep to ) the pectoralis major is the pectoralis minor , a thin , triangular muscle . In sports as well as bodybuilding , the pectoral muscles may colloquially be referred to as `` pecs '' , `` pectoral muscle '' or `` chest muscle '' due to its being the larger and most superficial muscle in the chest area . </P>
<P> The pectoralis major ( / ˌpɛktəˈreɪlɪs ˈmeɪdʒər / ) ( from Latin : pectus , breast ) is a thick , fan - shaped muscle , situated at the chest ( anterior ) of the human body . It makes up the bulk of the chest muscles and lies under the breast . Below ( deep to ) the pectoralis major is the pectoralis minor , a thin , triangular muscle . In sports as well as bodybuilding , the pectoral muscles may colloquially be referred to as `` pecs '' , `` pectoral muscle '' or `` chest muscle '' due to its being the larger and most superficial muscle in the chest area . </P>
what muscle in the upper body covers the upper chest
what muscle in the upper body covers the upper chest
pectoralis major
pectoralis major