The pectorals, commonly known as the chest muscles, are a group of muscles located at the front of the upper body. They consist mainly of two muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is the larger muscle, responsible for movements such as pushing and lifting, while the pectoralis minor is smaller and helps stabilize the shoulder. These muscles play a crucial role in various physical activities, including sports and daily tasks. Strengthening the pectorals can improve overall upper body strength and enhance performance in exercises like bench presses and push-ups.