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EXTREMITIES TABLE of MUSCLES

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Muscle Principle Group

Subgroups

Origin Insertion Primary Action | Secondary Action Description Innervation Blood Supply
Brachialis Arm, Anterior

Deep

Middle 3rd of Humerus Ulna Elbow: Flexion The main flexor of the forearm Musculocutaneous N. (lateral cord) Brachial A.
Coracobrachialis Arm, Anterior

Deep

Coracoid Process Middle 3rd of humerus Elbow: Flexion CORACOBRACHIALIS SYNDROME -- lose the Musculocutaneous N. and most of anterior arm Musculocutaneous N. (lateral cord) Brachial A.
Biceps Brachii Arm, Anterior

Superficial / Rotator Cuff

Short Head: Coracoid Process; Long Head: Supraglenoid Tubercle Tuberosity of Radius Elbow: Flexion

Forearm: Forceful supination

Head is the lateral border of rotator cuff Musculocutaneous N. (lateral cord) Brachial A.
Triceps Brachii Arm, Posterior Long Head: Infraglenoid tubercle of Scapula; Lateral and Medial Heads: Above and below radial groove of humerus Olecranon of Ulna Elbow: Extension Triangular Interval and Quadrangular Space are between the two heads of the Triceps Radial N. Brachial A.: Deep Branch
Levator Scapulae Extrinsic Back

Deep

Transverse processes of the vertebrae Superior part of medial border of scapula Scapula: Elevation and inferior rotation Dorsal Scapular N. (C5 trunk) Dorsal Scapular A. (Axillary A.)
Rhomboid Major and Minor Extrinsic Back

Deep

Medial aspect of the scapula, posteriorly. Scapula: Retraction and inferior rotation Directly deep to the trapezius muscle; helps to pin down the scapula; Winged Scapula can result if damaged Dorsal Scapular N. (C5 trunk) Dorsal Scapular A. (Axillary A.)
Latissimus Dorsi Extrinsic Back

Superficial

Wide region of spinous processes, down to iliac crests Anterior aspect of humerus, at the intertubercular groove Humerus: Medial rotation, adduction, and extension; depression of scapula Posterior border of axilla; Base of the triangle of auscultation Thoracodorsal N. (posterior cord) Thoracodorsal A. (3rd part of Axillary A.)
Trapezius Extrinsic Back

Superficial

Along the spinous processes of the vertebrae, from the base of the skull to T12 The spine of the scapula, the acromion, and the lateral part of the clavicle Scapula: elevate (superior fibers), retract (middle fibers), and depress (inferior fibers) All fibers acting together, it is the main muscle for superior rotation of scapula; medial border of triangle of auscultation Spinal Accessory N. (CN XI)
Flexor Digitorum Profundus Forearm, Anterior

Deep

Common Flexor Tendon and Radius Distal phalanges of the 2nd through 5th digits Digits: Flexion of fingers SPACE OF PARONA is directly superficial to it. Lateral Half: Median N., Medial Half: Ulnar N. Anterior Interosseus A.
Flexor Pollicis Longus Forearm, Anterior

Deep

The 1st distal phalanx Digits: Flexion of thumb Median N. Anterior Interosseus A.
Pronator Quadratus Forearm, Anterior

Deep

The distal ulna The distal radius Forearm: Pronation (radius over ulna) Median N. Anterior Interosseus A.
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Forearm, Anterior

Middle

Common Flexor Tendon Middle phalanges of the 2nd through 5th digits. Digits: Flexion of fingers SPACE OF PARONA is directly deep to it. Median N. Radial A., Ulnar A.
Flexor Carpi Radialis Forearm, Anterior

Superficial

Common Flexor Tendon Wrist: Flexion, Abduction (Radial Deviation) Median N. Radial A., Ulnar A.
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Forearm, Anterior

Superficial

Common Flexor Tendon and proximal ulna The Pisiform Bone Wrist: Flexion and adduction (ulnar deviation) CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: Ulnar N. Entrapment b/tw two heads; Pisiform bone is sesamoid bone in tendon Ulnar N. Radial A., Ulnar A.
Palmaris Longus Forearm, Anterior

Superficial

Common Flexor Tendon NONE | Wrist: Flexion Does not pass through the flexor retinaculum! Used in surgical tendon transfers Median N. Radial A., Ulnar A.
Pronator Teres Forearm, Anterior

Superficial

Humeral Head: Medial Epicondyle; Ulnar Head: Proximal Ulna Distal third of radius Forearm: Pronation (Radius over Ulna) PRONATOR TERES SYNDROME -- Median N. Entrapment between the two heads Median N. Radial A., Ulnar A.
Abductor Pollicis Longus Forearm, Posterior

Deep

Radius, Ulna, and Interosseus Membrane Distal phalanx of 1st digit Digits: Abduction of thumb Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Indicis Forearm, Posterior

Deep

Radius, Ulna, and Interosseus Membrane Proximal phalanx of the 2nd digit Digits: Extension of index finger Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Pollicis Brevis Forearm, Posterior

Deep

Radius, Ulna, and Interosseus Membrane Proximal phalanx of the 1st digit Digits: Extension of thumb DeQuervain's Disease in Radial Bursa Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Pollicis Longus Forearm, Posterior

Deep

Radius, Ulna, and Interosseus Membrane Distal phalanx of the 1st digit Digits: Extension of thumb DeQuervain's Disease in Radial Bursa Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Supinator Forearm, Posterior

Deep

Proximal ulna and lateral epicondyle of humerus Proximal radius Forearm: Supination Deep branch of the Radial N. pierces the supinator to go to posterior forearm -- SUPINATOR CHANNEL SYNDROME Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Anconeus Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon Elbow: Extension | Abduction of ulna during pronation It gets the ulna out of the way during pronation of the forearm Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Brachioradialis Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon Styloid process of the radius Elbow: Power flexion MOBILE-WAD: part of lateral compartment. May become damaged with radial fractures near the wrist Radial N.: Deep Branch Radial and Posterior Interosseus Aa.
Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon Base of the metacarpal bones Wrist: Extension and Radial deviation (abduction) Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon Base of the metacarpal bones Wrist: Extension and Radial deviation (abduction) MOBILE-WAD: Part of lateral compartment Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon The base of the metacarpal bones Wrist: Extension and adduction (ulnar deviation) Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Digiti Minimi Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon The proximal phalanx of the 5th digit Digits: Extension of little finger Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Extensor Digitorum Forearm, Posterior

Superficial

Common Extensor Tendon All three phalanges of the 2nd through 5th digits Digits: Extension of fingers The tendons split and then reunite to insert on the distal two phalanges Radial N.: Deep Branch Posterior Interosseus A.
Inferior Gemelli Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Ischial Tuberosity Greater Trochanter Femur: Lateral Rotation Directly below the obturator internus Sacral Plexus Inferior Gluteal A.
Obturator Externus Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Obturator Membrane (external surface) Greater Trochanter Femur: Lateral Rotation Sacral Plexus Obturator A.
Obturator Internus Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Obturator Membrane (internal surface) Greater Trochanter Femur: Lateral Rotation Goes through Lesser Sciatic Foramen Sacral Plexus Obturator A.
Piriformis Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Anterior aspect of the Sacrum Greater Trochanter (Superior aspect) Femur: Lateral Rotation | Femur: Abduction Sacral Plexus Superior and Inferior Gluteal Aa.
Quadratus Femoris Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Ischial Tuberosity Intertrochanteric Crest (Quadrate Tubercle) Femur: Lateral Rotation The big muscle in the gluteal group Sacral Plexus Inferior Gluteal A.
Superior Gemelli Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Deep

Ischial Spine Greater Trochanter Femur: Lateral Rotation Directly above the obturator internus Sacral Plexus Inferior Gluteal A.
Gluteus Maximus Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Superficial

Ilium, Sacrum, and Coccyx Gluteal Tuberosity of Femur and Iliotibial Tract Hip: Extension Inferior Gluteal Nerve Inferior Gluteal A.
Gluteus Medius Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Superficial

Outer surface of ileum, between top two gluteal lines Greater Trochanter (Lateral) Femur: Abduction and medial rotation Superior Gluteal Nerve Superior Gluteal A.
Gluteus Minimus Gluteal Region (Hip-Joint Stability)

Superficial

Outer surface of Ilium, between bottom two gluteal lines Greater Trochanter (anterior) Femur: Abduction and medial rotation Superior Gluteal Nerve Superior Gluteal A.
Abductor Digiti Minimi Intrinsic Foot

1st Layer

Calcaneus tuberosity Base of 5th proximal phalanx Digits: Abduction of little toe Very small muscle on lateral border Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Abductor Hallucis Intrinsic Foot

1st Layer

Calcaneous Base of 1st toe Digits: Abduction of big toe Travels along medial side of foot Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Flexor Digitorum Brevis Intrinsic Foot

1st Layer

Calcaneus tuberosity The base of 4 lesser toes Digits: Flexion of lesser toes Fibers split into two tendons each, and the flexor dig. longus tendons travel through them Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Lumbricals Intrinsic Foot

2nd Layer

Flexor Digitorum Longus tendon Base of the proximal phalanges of lesser toes Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Quadratus Plantae Intrinsic Foot

2nd Layer

Calcaneus tuberosity Flexor Digitorum Longus tendon None | Digits: Flexion Directly deep to flexor dig. longus tendon; CLAW-TOE if damaged Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Adductor Hallucis Intrinsic Foot

3rd Layer

Transverse Head: Head of metatarsals; Oblique Head Base of the 1st and 2nd proximal phalanges Digits: Adduction of big toe BUNION results from overpull and contraction of this muscle Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Intrinsic Foot

3rd Layer

Bifurcated origin off mid-tarsal bone Base of 5th metatarsal Digits: Flexion of big toe Medial and Lateral Sesamoid bones can be seen in the tendon Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Flexor Hallucis Brevis Intrinsic Foot

3rd Layer

Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Medial and Lateral Plantar Aa.
Dorsal Interossei Intrinsic Foot

4th Layer

Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Dorsal Metatarsal Aa.
Plantar Interossei Intrinsic Foot

4th Layer

Medial and Lateral Plantar Nn. Plantar Metatarsal Aa.
Abductor Digiti Minimi Intrinsic Hand

Hypothenar Eminence

Digits: Abduction of Little Finger Ulnar N. Palmar Metacarpal Aa. (from Ulnar A.)
Flexor Digiti Minimi Intrinsic Hand

Hypothenar Eminence

Digits: Flexion of the little finger Ulnar N. Palmar Metacarpal Aa. (from Ulnar A.)
Opponens Digiti Minimi Intrinsic Hand

Hypothenar Eminence

Digits: Opposition of little finger Ulnar N. Palmar Metacarpal Aa. (from Ulnar A.)
Dorsal Interossei Intrinsic Hand

Middle Hand

Digits: Abduction of Fingers Ulnar N. Anterior and Posterior Proper Digital Aa.
Lumbricals Intrinsic Hand

Middle Hand

Tendons of the Flexor Digitorum Profunda Posterior aspect of the proximal and distal phalanges Digits: Flexion of MCP joints; Extension of PIP and DIP joints Anterior to the MCP joints and posterior to the PIP and DIP joints; proprioception and kinesthesia 1st and 2nd: Median N., 3rd and 4th: Ulnar N. Anterior and Posterior Proper Digital Aa.
Palmar Interossei Intrinsic Hand

Middle Hand

Digits: Adduction of fingers Ulnar N. Anterior and Posterior Proper Digital Aa.
Abductor Pollicis Brevis Intrinsic Hand

Thenar Eminence

Digits: Abduction of thumb Median N. Princeps Pollicis A. (from Radial A.)
Adductor Pollicis Intrinsic Hand

Thenar Eminence

Digits: Adduction of thumb Ulnar N. Princeps Pollicis A. (from Radial A.)
Flexor Pollicis Brevis Intrinsic Hand

Thenar Eminence

Digits: Flexion of thumb Median N. Princeps Pollicis A. (from Radial A.)
Opponens Pollicis Intrinsic Hand

Thenar Eminence

Digits: Opposition of thumb Median N. Princeps Pollicis A. (from Radial A.)
Extensor Digitorum Longus Leg, Anterior Tibia, fibula, and interosseus membrane Four distal phalanges DIGITS: EXTENSION | Ankle: Dorsiflexion Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Extensor Hallucis Longus Leg, Anterior Base of the first tibial phalanx DIGITS: DORSIFLEXION OF BIG TOE Often runs with the Ext. Dig. Longus, but it always has a separate tendon Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Peroneus Tertius Leg, Anterior None | Foot: Eversion Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Tibialis Anterior Leg, Anterior Proximal tibia Base of the 1st metatarsal and cuneiform Foot: Inversion; Ankle: Dorsiflexion Enters the foot anterior to the medial malleolus Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Extensor Digitorum Brevis Leg, Anterior

Dorsum of foot

Digits: Extension of minor toes Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Extensor Hallucis Brevis Leg, Anterior

Dorsum of foot

Digits: Extension of big toe Deep Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial A.
Peroneus Brevis Leg, Lateral Distal fibula Base of the 5th metatarsal Foot: Eversion Its origin is associated with Jones' Fractures; passes through Peroneal Retinaculum behind lateral malleolus Superficial Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial. A
Peroneus Longus Leg, Lateral Base of 1st and 2nd metatarsals Foot: Eversion | Foot: Plantarflexion Passes through peroneal retinaculum behind lateral malleolus Superficial Peroneal N. Anterior Tibial. A
Flexor Digitorum Longus Leg, Posterior

Deep

Base of the distal phalanges of the lesser toes Digits: Plantarflexion Its tendon goes through the 2nd layer of the foot; it enters the foot behind the medial malleolus (Tom Dick ANd Harry); push off Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Flexor Hallucis Longus Leg, Posterior

Deep

Base of the 1st distal phalanx Digits: Plantarflexion of big toe Its tendon goes through the 2nd layer of the foot; enters foot behind the medial malleolus (Tom Dick ANd Harry); push-off Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Popliteus Leg, Posterior

Deep

Tibia Between the lateral meniscus and lateral collateral ligament of the knee None | Stabilize the knee Origin is distal to insertion! Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Tibialis Posterior Leg, Posterior

Deep

Posterior Tibia Navicular and Cuneiform Foot: Inversion SUPPORT ARCH OF FOOT; enters the foot behind the medial malleolus (Tom Dick ANd Harry); push off Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Gastrocnemius Leg, Posterior

Superficial

Lateral and medial condyles of the femur Calcaneal (Achilles) Tendon Foot: Plantarflexion Crosses both knee and ankle, superficial to soleus; PUSH-OFF Tibial N. Sural Aa. (terminal Popliteal A.)
Plantaris Leg, Posterior

Superficial

Lateral side of femoral condyle Calcaneal (Achilles) Tendon Knee: Flexion; Ankle: Plantarflexion Expendable. Often used in tendon transfers Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Soleus Leg, Posterior

Superficial

On the tibia, below the knee Calcaneal (Achilles) Tendon Ankle: Plantarflexion Does not cross the knee joint, deep to gastrocs; PUSH-OFF Tibial N. Posterior Tibial A.
Deltoid Pectoral Region Lateral part of clavicle, acromion, and scapular spine The Deltoid Tuberosity of the humerus Humerus: flexion and medial rotation (anterior); extension and lateral rotation (posterior); abduction (lateral) Shares insertion with trapezius; has multiple actions depending on part Axillary N. (posterior cord) Deltoid Branch of Thoracoacromial A. (3rd part of Axillary A.)
Pectoralis Major Pectoral Region Clavicular Head on clavicle; Sternocostal Head on sternum; abdominal head Intertubercular Groove of the humerus Humerus: Medial rotation and adduction Anterior border of the axilla. The clavicular head flexes the arm, while the sternocostal head extends the arm Medial and Lateral Pectoral Nn. Pectoral Branch of Thoracoacromial A. (2nd part of Axillary A.)
Pectoralis Minor Pectoral Region 3rd thru 5th ribs Coracoid Process of the anterior scapula Scapula: Protraction, inferior rotation, depression Anterior border of the axilla. Medial and Lateral Pectoral Nn. Pectoral Branch of Thoracoacromial A. (2nd part of Axillary A.)
Serratus Anterior Pectoral Region 1st through 8th ribs Medial border of the clavicle, anteriorly Scapula: Superior rotation and protraction Winged Scapula can result if damaged; medial border of the axilla Long Thoracic N. (superior / middle trunks) Lateral Thoracic A. (2nd part)
Subclavius Pectoral Region NONE Just below the clavicle; anterior border of the axilla. Subclavius N. (superior trunk) Clavicular Branch of Thoracoacromial A. (2nd part of Axillary A.)
Teres Major Scapular Region Anterior aspect of humerus Humerus: Medial Rotation Quadrangular Space is directly superior; Triangular Interval is directly inferior; Triangular Space is superior, medial to the triceps Circumflex Scapular A. (Subscapular A.)
Infraspinatus Scapular Region

Rotator Cuff

Infraspinatus fossa (on posterior scapula) Posterior aspect of humerus at the lateral aspect Humerus: Lateral rotation Posterior aspect of scapula; posterior border of rotator cuff Suprascapular N. (superior trunk) Suprascapular A. (Thyrocervical trunk)
Subscapularis Scapular Region

Rotator Cuff

Subscapular fossa Anteromedial aspect of humerus Humerus: Medial Rotation Anterior aspect of scapula; posterior border of the axilla; anterior border of rotator cuff Subscapular A. (3rd part of Axillary A.)
Supraspinatus Scapular Region

Rotator Cuff

Supraspinatus fossa (on posterior scapula) Superior aspect of the humerus Humerus: Abduction Posterior aspect of scapula; superior border of rotator cuff Suprascapular N. (superior trunk) Suprascapular A. (Thyrocervical trunk)
Teres Minor Scapular Region

Rotator Cuff

Posterior aspect of humerus Humerus: Lateral Rotation Quadrangular Space is directly inferior; posterior border of rotator cuff Posterior Circumflex Humeral A. (3rd part of Axillary A.)
Iliopsoas Thigh, Anterior Lumbar spine and Iliac crest Lesser Trochanter of Femur Femur: Flexion at hip Floor of the Femoral Triangle Femoral N. Femoral A.
Sartorius Thigh, Anterior Anterior Superior Iliac Spine Posteromedial aspect of proximal tibia Hip: Flexion; Knee: Extension | Femur: Lateral Rotation Inferolateral base of Femoral Triangle Femoral N. Femoral A.
Tensor Fasciae Latae Thigh, Anterior Proximal femur Iliotibial Tract Hip: Flexion; Femur: Medial Rotation Increases tension of fascia lata and iliotibial tract, esp. when standing upright; holds knee in place Femoral N. Femoral A.
Rectus Femoris Thigh, Anterior

Quadriceps Femoralis

Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Quadriceps Tendon on the superior Patella Knee: Extension Acts on the hip joint; Crucial role in knee stability Femoral N. Femoral A.
Vastus Intermedius Thigh, Anterior

Quadriceps Femoralis

Proximal femur Quadriceps Tendon on the superior Patella Knee: Extension Crucial role in knee stability Femoral N. Femoral A.
Vastus Lateralis Thigh, Anterior

Quadriceps Femoralis

Proximal femur Quadriceps Tendon on the superior Patella Knee: Extension Crucial role in knee stability Femoral N. Femoral A.
Vastus Medialis Thigh, Anterior

Quadriceps Femoralis

Proximal femur Quadriceps Tendon on the superior Patella Knee: Extension Crucial role in knee stability Femoral N. Femoral A.
Adductor Brevis Thigh, Medial

Adductor Group

Pubic Bone Thigh: Adduction Obturator N. Profunda Femoris A.
Adductor Longus Thigh, Medial

Adductor Group

Pubic Bone Thigh: Adduction Lateral floor of Femoral Triangle Obturator N. Profunda Femoris A.
Adductor Magnus Thigh, Medial

Adductor Group

Pubic Bone Thigh: Adduction | Thigh: Extension Adductor "Hybrid" Muscle Adduction: Obturator N.; Extension: Sciatic N. Profunda Femoris A.
Gracilis Thigh, Medial

Adductor Group

Pubic Bone NONE | Thigh: Adduction A good spare part; adduction can occur without it. Obturator N. Profunda Femoris A.
Pectineus Thigh, Medial

Adductor Group

Pubic Bone Thigh: Adduction | Hip: Flexion Adductor "Hybrid" Muscle; Floor of the Femoral Triangle Adduction: Obturator N.; Flexion: Femoral N. Profunda Femoris A.
Biceps Femoris Thigh, Posterior

Hamstring Muscles

Long Head: Ischial Tuberosity | Short Head: Femur (Linea Aspera) Head of the Fibula Hip: Extension; Knee: Flexion Long head crosses both hip and knee joints Sciatic N. Perforating Branches of Profunda Femoris A.
Semimembranosus Thigh, Posterior

Hamstring Muscles

Ischial Tuberosity Medial condyle of proximal tibia Hip: Extension; Knee: Flexion Cross both hip and knee joints Sciatic N. Perforating Branches of Profunda Femoris A.
Semitendinosus Thigh, Posterior

Hamstring Muscles

Ischial Tuberosity Medial condyle of proximal tibia Hip: Extension; Knee: Flexion Cross both hip and knee joints; medial to semimembranosus Sciatic N. Perforating Branches of Profunda Femoris A.


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