Which muscle is part of the shoulder girdle?

The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, consists of several key muscles that play vital roles in the movement and stability of the shoulder joint. Among these muscles, the latissimus dorsi and the pectoralis major both have important functions associated with the shoulder girdle.

The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle of the back that extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm. While it originates from the lower back and wraps around to attach to the upper arm, it indirectly impacts the shoulder girdle by facilitating arm movements and stabilizing the shoulder during various activities.

The pectoralis major is a prominent chest muscle that is directly involved with the shoulder girdle. It helps in flexing, adducting, and medially rotating the arm at the shoulder joint. It also plays a significant role in movements such as pushing and lifting.

By understanding the anatomical significance of both the latissimus dorsi and the pectoralis major, it becomes clear that they contribute to the functionality of the shoulder girdle. Therefore, recognizing that both are integral muscles in this area helps highlight the complexity of the shoulder girdle's musculature, justifying why the combined answer is indeed correct.