Which ribs serve as the origin for the pectoralis minor?

• A. Sixth through eighth ribs
• B. Second through fourth ribs
• C. First through second ribs
• D. Third through fifth ribs

Answer: (D)

Pectoralis minor arises from the anterior surfaces of ribs 3–5 near their costal cartilages and inserts on the coracoid process of the scapula. That specific rib range matches the muscle’s small, deeper position in the chest wall and explains its role in protracting and stabilizing the scapula against the thorax. Because the origin on ribs 3–5 is the established description, this is the correct choice. Origins on the first or second ribs belong to other structures (for example, subclavius comes from the first rib), and ribs higher or lower than 3–5 do not match the pectoralis minor, which is why those options aren’t correct.