1

Openings in the Base of the Skull and the structures that pass through them
Openings in the Skull
Perforations in the Cribriform plate
Optic Canal
Superior Orbital Fissure

Bone of the Skull

Anterior Cranial Fossa
Ethmoid
Middle Cranial Fossa
Lesser wing of the Sphenoid
Between lesser and greater wings of
the Sphenoid

Foramen Rotundum

Greater wing of the Sphenoid

Foramen Ovale

Greater wing of the Sphenoid

Foramen Spinosum
Foramen Lacerum

Greater wing of the Sphenoid

Between petrous part of temporal and
Sphenoid
Posterior Cranial Fossa
Occipital

Foramen Magnum
Hypoglossal Canal
Jugular Foramen

Occipital
Between petrous part of temporal and
condylar part of occipital

Internal Acoustic Meatus

Petrous part of temporal

Structures Transmitted
Olfactory nerves
Optic nerve, ophthalmic artery
Lacrimal, frontal, trochlear,
oculomotor, nasociliary and abducent
nerves; superior ophthalmic vein
Maxillary Division of the Trigeminal
Nerve
Mandibular division of the Trigeminal
Nerve
Middle meningeal artery
Internal carotid artery
Medulla Oblongata, spinal part of
accessory nerve, and right and left
vertebral arteries
Hypoglossal nerve
Glossopharyngeal, vagus, and
accessory nerves; sigmoid sinus
becomes internal jugular vein
Vestibulocochlear and facial nerves

Muscles of the Eyeball and Eyelids

Muscle
Superior Rectus

Inferior Rectus

Medial Rectus

Lateral Rectus

Superior Oblique

Inferior Oblique

Origin
Insertion
Innervation
Extrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Striated Skeletal Muscle)
Tendinous ring on
Superior surface of
CNIII
posterior wall of
eyeball just posterior
orbital cavity
to corneoscleral
junction
Tendinous ring on
Inferior surface of
CNIII
posterior wall of
eyeball just posterior
orbital cavity
to corneoscleral
junction
Tendinous ring on
Medial surface of
CNIII
posterior wall of
eyeball just posterior
orbital cavity
to corneoscleral
junction
Tendinous ring on
Lateral surface of
CNVI
posterior wall of
eyeball just posterior
orbital cavity
to corneoscleral
junction
Posterior wall of
Passes through
CNIV
orbital cavity
pulley and is
attached to superior
surface of eyeball
beneath superior
rectus
Floor of orbital cavity Lateral surface of
CNIII
eyeball deep to
lateral rectus
Intrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Smooth Muscle)

Action
Raises cornea
upward and medially
Depresses cornea
downward and
medially
Rotates eyeball so
that cornea looks
medially
Rotates eyeball so
that cornea looks
laterally
Rotates eyeball so
that cornea looks
downward and
laterally
Rotates eyeball so
that cornea looks
upward and laterally

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Sphincter Pupillae
of Iris
Dilatory Pupillae of
Iris
Ciliary Muscle

Parasympathetic via
CNIII
Sympathetic

Constricts pupil

Parasympathetic via
CNIII

Controls shape of
lens; in
accommodation,
makes lens more
globular

Lateral palpebral
raphe
Loops return to origin

Facial nerve

Anterior surface and

upper margin of
superior tarsal plate

Striated muscle
oculomotor nerve,
smooth muscle
Sympathetic

Closes eyelids and

dilates lacrimal sac
Throws skin around
orbit into folds to
protect eyeball
Raises upper lid

Dilates pupil

Muscles of Eyelids
Orbicularis Oculi
Palpebral Part
Orbital Part
Levator Palpebrae
Superioris

Medial palpebral
ligament
Medial palpebral
ligament and
adjoining bone
Back of orbital cavity

Facial nerve

Muscles of the Head

Muscle
Occipitofrontalis
Occipital belly

Origin

Insertion
Muscle of Scalp

Innervation

Action

Highest nuchal line of Epicranial

Facial nerve
occipital bone
aponeurosis
Skin and superficial
facia of eyebrows
Muscles of Facial Expression

Moves scalp on skull

and raises eyebrows

Medial palpebral
ligament
Medial palpebral
ligament and
adjoining bone
Superciliary arch

Lateral palpebral
raphe
Loops return to origin

Facial nerve

Skin of eyebrow

Facial nerve

Aponeurosis of
bridge of nose
Ala of nose

Facial nerve

Dilator Naris

Frontal process of
maxilla
Maxilla

Procerus

Nasal bone

Facial nerve

Orbicularis Oris

Maxilla, mandible
and skin

Skin between
eyebrows
Encircles oral orifice

Closes eyelids and

dilates lacrimal sac
Throws skin around
orbit into folds to
protect eyeball
Vertical wrinkles of
forehead, as in
frowning
Compresses mobile
nasal cartilages
Widens nasal
aperture
Wrinkles skin of nose

Frontal belly
Orbicularis Oculi
Palpebral Part
Orbital Part
Corrugator
Supercilii
Compressor Nasi

Levator Labii
Superioris Alaeque
Nasi
Levator Labii
Superioris
Zygomaticus Minor
Zygomaticus Major
Levator Anguli Oris
Risorius
Depressor Anguli
Oris
Depressor Labii
Inferioris

Facial nerve

Facial nerve

Facial nerve

Dilator Muscles of Lips

Arise from bones and fascia around oral
Facial nerve
aperture and insert into substance of lips

Compresses lips
together
Separate lips

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Mentalis
Buccinator
Platysma

Masseter
Temporalis

Lateral Pterygoid
(two heads)
Medial Pterygoid
(two heads)

Outer surface of alveolar margins of maxilla,

mandible and pterygomandibular ligament
Deep fascia over
Body of mandible
pectoralis major and
and angle of mouth
deltoid
Muscles of Mastication
Zygomatic arch
Lateral surface
ramus of mandible
Floor of temporal
Coronoid process of
fossa
mandible

Facial nerve

Greater wing of
sphenoid and lateral
pterygoid plate
Tuberosity of maxilla
and lateral pterygoid
plate

Neck of mandible
and articular sac

Mandibular division
of trigeminal nerve

Medial surface of
angle of mandible

Mandibular division
of trigeminal nerve

Facial nerve cervical

branch
Mandibular division
of trigeminal nerve
Mandibular division
of trigeminal nerve

Compresses cheeks
and lips against teeth
Depresses mandible
and angle of mouth
Elevates mandible to
occlude teeth
Anterior and superior
fibers elevate
mandible; posterior
fibers retract
mandible
Pulls neck of
mandible forward
Elevates mandible

Muscles of Tongue
Muscle
Longitudinal

Origin
Median septum and
submucosa

Insertion
Intrinsic Muscles
Mucous membrane

Innervation

Action

CNXII

Alters shape of
tongue

CNXII

Protrudes apex of
tongue through
mouth
Depresses tongue

Transverse
Vertical
Genioglossus

Superior genial spine

of mandible

Extrinsic Muscles
Blends with other
muscles of tongue

Hyoglossus

Body of greater
cornu of hyoid bone
Styloid process of
temporal bone

Blends with other

muscles of tongue
Blends with other
muscles of tongue

CNXII

Palatine aponeurosis

Side of tongue

Pharyngeal plexus

Styloglossus
Palatoglossus

CNXII

Draws tongue
upward and
backward
Pulls roots of tongue
upward and
backward, narrows
oropharyngeal
isthmus

Muscles of the Neck

Muscle
Platysma
SCM

Digastric
Posterior belly
Anterior belly
Stylohyoid

Origin
Deep fascia over
pectoralis major and
deltoid
Manubrium sterni
and medial third of
the clavicle

Insertion
Body of mandible
and angle of mouth

Innervation
Facial nerve cervical
branch

Action
Depresses mandible
and angle of mouth

Mastoid process of
temporal bone and
occipital bone

Spinal part of
accessory nerve and
C2 and C3

Two muscles acting

together extend head
and flex neck; one
muscle rotates head
to opposite side

Mastoid process of
temporal bone

Intermediate tendon
is held to hyoid by
fascial sling

Facial nerve

Depresses mandible
or elevates hyoid
bone

Body of mandible
Styloid process

Body of hyoid bone

Nerve to mylohyoid
Facial nerve

Elevates hyoid bone

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Mylohyoid

Mylohyoid line of
body of mandible

Body of hyoid bone

and fibrous raphe

Inferior alveolar
nerve

Geniohyoid

Inferior mental spine

of mandible

Body of hyoid bone

First cervical nerve

Sternohyoid

Manubrium sterni
and clavicle
Manubrium sterni

Body of Hyoid bone

Ansa cervicalis; C1,

2&3
Ansa cervicalis; C1,
2&3

Sternothyroid
Thyrohyoid
Omohyoid
Inferior belly

Superior belly
Scalenius Anterior

Scalenius Medius

Scalenius Posterior

Oblique line on
lamina of thyroid
cartilage

Oblique line on
lamina of thyroid
cartilage
Lower border of body
of hyoid bone

Elevates floor of
mouth and hyoid
bone or depresses
mandible
Elevates hyoid bone
or depresses
mandible
Depresses hyoid
bone
Depresses larynx

First cervical nerve

Depresses hyoid
bone or elevates
larynx

Upper margin of
scapula and
suprascapular
ligament
Lower border of body
of hyoid bone
Transverse
processes of 3rd, 4th
5th and 6th cervical
vertebrae
Transverse
processes of upper
six cervical vertebrae

Intermediate tendon
is held to clavicle and
first rib by fascial
sling

Ansa cervicalis; C1,

2&3

Depresses hyoid
bone

First rib

C4, 5 & 6

First rib

Anterior rami of
cervical nerves

Transverse process
of lower cervical
vertebrae

Second rib

Anterior rami of
cervical nerves

Elevates first rib;

laterally flexes and
rotates cervical part
of vertebral column
Elevates first rib;
laterally flexes and
rotates cervical part
of vertebral column
Elevates second rib;
laterally flexes and
rotates cervical part
of vertebral column

Cranial Nerves

Olfactory

Nerve

Components
Sensory

Optic
Oculomotor

Sensory
Motor

Trochlear

Motor

Trigeminal
Ophthalmic division

Sensory

Maxillary division

Sensory

Mandibular division

Motor

Function
Smell
Vision
Lifts upper eyelid, turns
eyeball upward, downward
and medially; constricts
pupil; accommodates eye
Assists in turning eyeball
downward and laterally
Cornea, skin of forehead,
scalp, eyelids and nose;
also mucous membrane of
paranasal sinuses and
nasal cavity
Skin of face over maxilla
and the upper lip; teeth of
upper jaw; mucous
membrane of nose, the
maxillary air sinus, and
palate
Muscles of mastication,
mylohyoid, anterior belly of
digastrics, tensor veli
palatini and tensor tympani

Opening in Skull
Openings in cribriform plate
of ethmoid
Optic canal
Superior Orbital Fissure

Superior Orbital fissure

Superior Orbital Fissure

Foramen Rotundum

Foramen Ovale

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Sensory

Abducent

Motor

Facial

Motor

Sensory
Secretomotor
parasympathetic
Vestibulocochlear
Vestibular

Sensory

Cochlear
Glossopharyngeal

Sensory
Motor
Secretomotor
parasympathetic
Sensory

Vagus

Motor

Sensory

Accessory
Cranial root

Motor

Spinal root

Motor

Hypoglossal

Motor

Skin of cheek, skin over

mandible, lower lip and
side of head; teeth of lower
jaw and
temporomandibular joint;
mucous membrane of
mouth and anterior two
thirds of tongue
Lateral rectus muscle:
turns eyeball laterally
Muscles of face, cheek and
scalp; stapedius muscle of
middle ear; stylohyoid; and
posterior belly of digastrics
Taste from anterior two
thirds of tongue, floor of
mouth and palate
Submandibular and
sublingual salivary glands,
lacrimal gland and glands
of nose and palate
Position and movement of
head
Hearing
Stylopharyngeus muscle;
assists swallowing
Parotid salivary gland
General sensation and
taste from posterior third of
tongue and pharynx;
carotid sinus and carotid
body
Constrictor muscles of
phaynx and intrinsic
muscles of larynx;
involuntary muscle of
trachea and bronchi, heart,
alimentary tract from
pharynx to splenix flexure
of colon; liver and pancreas
Taste from epiglottis and
vallecula and afferent fibers
from structures named
above
Muscles of soft palate,
pharynx and larynx
Sternocleidomastoid and
trapezius muscles
Muscles of tongue
controlling its shape and
movement (except
palatoglossus)

Superior orbital fissure

Internal acoustic meatus,
facial canal stylomastoid
foramen

Internal acoustic meatus

Jugular Foramen

Jugular Foramen

Jugular Foramen

Hypoglossal Canal

Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Thoracic Wall/ Muscles of the Pectoral Region (except Serratus
Anterior)
Muscle
Pectoralis Major

Origin
Clavicle, sternum
and upper six costal
cartilages

Insertion
Lateral lip of the
bicipital groove of
humerus

Innervation
Medial and lateral
pectoral nerves form
brachial plexus

Pectoralis Minor

3rd, 4th and 5th ribs

Coracoid process of
scapula

Medial pectoral nerve

from brachial plexus

Subclavius

First costal cartilage

Clavicle

Nerve to subclavius
from upper trunk of
brachial plexus

Serratus Anterior

Upper eight ribs

Medial border and

inferior angle of the
scapula

Long thoracic nerve

Action
Adducts arm and
rotates it medially;
clavicular fibers also
flex arm
Depresses point of
shoulder; if the
scapula is fixed, it
elevates the ribs of
origin
Depresses the
clavicle and steadies
this bone during
movements of the
shoulder girdle
Draws the scapula
forward around the
thoracic wall; rotates
the scapula

Muscles Connecting the Upper limb to the Vertebral Column/ Superficial (Appendicular) Group of Back
Muscles
Muscle
Trapezius

Origin
Occipital bone,
ligamentum nuchae,
spine of 7th cervical
vertebra, spines of all
thoracic vertebra

Insertion
Upper fibers into
lateral third of
clavicle; middle and
lower fibers into
acromion and spine
of the scapula

Innervation
Spinal part of
accessory nerve
(motor) and C3 and
C4 (sensory)

Latissimus Dorsi

Iliac crest, lumbar

fascia, spines of
lower six thoracic
vertebrae, lower
three or four ribs, and
inferior angle of the
scapula
Transverse
processes of first four
cervical vertebrae
Ligamentum nuchae
and spines of 7th
cervical vertebra and
1st thoracic vertebra
2nd to 5th thoracic
spines

Floor of bicipital
groove of humerus

Thoracodorsal nerve

Medial border of the

scapula

C3 and C4 and
dorsal scapular nerve

Raises medial border

of the scapula

Medial border of the

scapula

Dorsal scapular
nerve

Raises medial border

of scapula upward
and medially

Medial border of
scapula

Dorsal scapular
nerve

Raises medial border

of scapula upward
and medially

Levator Scapulae
Rhomboid Minor

Rhomboid Major

Muscles Connecting the Scapula to the Humerus

Action
Upper fibers elevate
the scapula; middle
fibers pull the
scapula medially;
lower fibers pull
medial border of the
scapula downward
Extends, adducts and
medially rotates the
arm

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Muscle
Deltoid

Origin
Lateral third of
clavicle, acromion,
spine of scapula

Insertion
Middle of lateral
surface of shaft of
humerus

Innervation
Axillary nerve

Supraspinatus

Supraspinous fossa
of scapula

Spurascapular nerve

Infraspinatus

Infraspinous fossa

Teres Major

Lower third of lateral

border of scapula

Greater tuberosity of
humerus; capsule of
shoulder joint
Greater tuberosity of
humerus; capsule of
shoulder joint
Medial lip of bicipital
groove of humerus

Teres Minor

Upper two thirds of

lateral border of the
scapula
Subscapular fossa

Greater tuberosity of
the humerus; capsule
of shoulder joint
Lesser tuberosity of
humerus

Axillary nerve

Subscapularis

Suprascapular nerve
Lower subscapular
nerve

Upper and lower

subscapular nerves

Action
Abducts arm; anterior
fibers flex and
medially rotate arm;
posterior fibers
extend and laterally
rotate arm
Abducts arm and
stabilizes shoulder
joint
Laterally rotates arm
and stabilizes
shoulder joint
Medially rotates and
adducts arm and
stabilizes shoulder
joint
Laterally rotates arm
stabilizes shoulder
joint
Medially rotates arm
and stabilizes
shoulder joint

Muscles of the Arm

Muscle
Biceps Brachii
Long head
Short head
Coracobrachialis
Brachialis
Triceps
Long head
Lateral head
Medial head

Origin

Insertion
Anterior Compartment

Innervation

Supraglenoid
tubercle of scapula
Coracoid process of
scapula

Tuberosity of radius
Musculocutaneous
and bicipital
nerve
aponeurosis into
deep fascia of
forearm
Coracoid process of
Medial aspect of
Musculocutaneous
scapula
shaft of humerus
nerve
Front of lower half of
Coronoid process of
Musculocutaneous
humerus
ulna
nerve
Posterior Compartment
Infraglenoid tubercle
of scapula
Upper half of
posterior surface of
shaft of humerus
Lower half of
posterior surface of
shaft of humerus

Olecranon process of
ulna

Radial nerve

Action
Supinator of forearm
and flexor of elbow
joint; weak flexor of
shoulder joint
Flexes arm and also
weak adductor
Flexor of elbow joint

Extensor of elbow
joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

Muscle
Pronator Teres
Humeral head
Ulnar head
Flexor Carpi
Radialis
Palmaris Longus

Origin
Medial epicondyle of
humerus
Medial border of
coronoid process of
ulna
Medial epicondyle of
humerus
Medial epicondyle of
humerus

Insertion

Lateral aspect of the

shaft of radius
Bases of 2nd and 3rd
metacarpal bones
Flexor retinaculum
and palmar

Innervation

Median nerve
Median nerve
Median nerve

Action

Pronation and flexion

of forearm
Flexes and abducts
hand at wrist joint
Flexes hand

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aponeurosis
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Humeral head
Ulnar head

Flexor Digitorum
Superficialis
Humeroulnar
head

Medial epicondyle of
humerus
Medial aspect of
olecranon process
and posterior border
of ulna

Pisiform bone, hook

of the hamate, base
at 5th metacarpal
bone

Flexor Pollicis
Longus

Medial epicondyle of
humerus; medial
border of coronoid
process of ulna
Oblique line on
anterior surface of
shaft of radius
Anterior surface of
shaft of radius

Flexor Digitorum
Profundus

Anteromedial surface
of shaft of ulna

Distal phalanges of
medial four fingers

Pronator Quadratus

Anterior surface of
shaft of ulna

Anterior surface of
shaft or radius

Radial head

Middle phalanx of
medial four fingers

Distal phalanx of
thumb

Ulnar nerve

Flexes and adducts

hand at wrist joint

Median nerve

Flexes middle
phalanx of fingers
and assists in flexing
proximal phalanx and
hand

Anterior interosseus
branch of median
nerve
Ulnar (medial half)
and median (lateral
half) nerves
Anterior interosseus
branch of median
nerve

Flexes distal phalanx

of thumb
Flexes distal phalanx
of fingers; then
assists in flexion of
middle and proximal
phalanges and wrist
Pronates forearm

Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

Muscle
Brachioradialis

Origin
Lateral
supracondylar ridge
of humerus

Insertion
Base of styloid
process of radius

Innervation
Radial nerve

Extensor Carpi
Radialis Longus

Lateral
supracondylar ridge
pf the humerus

Posterior surface of
base of 2nd
metacarpal bone

Radial nerve

Action
Flexes forearm at
elbow joint; rotates
forearm to the
midprone position
Extends and abducts
hand at wrist joint

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

Muscle
Extensor Carpi
Radialis Brevis

Origin
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus

Extensor Digitorum

Lateral epicondyle of
humerus

Extensor Digiti
Minimi

Lateral epicondyle of
humerus

Extensor Carpi
Ulnaris
Anconeus

Lateral epicondyle of
humerus
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus

Supinator

Lateral epicondyle of
humerus
Posterior surface of
shaft of radius and
ulna

Abductor Pollicis
Longus

Insertion
Posterior surface of
base of third
metacarpal bone
Middle and distal
phalanges of medial
four fingers
Extensor expansion
of little finger

Innervation
Deep branch of
radial nerve

Action
Extends and abducts
hand at wrist joint

Deep branch of
radial nerve

Extends fingers and

hand

Deep branch of
radial nerve

Base of fifth
metacarpal bone
Lateral surface of
olecranon process of
ulna
Neck and shaft of
radius
Base of first
metacarpal bone

Deep branch of
radial nerve
Radial nerve

Extends
metacarpophalangeal
joint of little finger
Extends and adducts
hand at wrist joint
Extends elbow joint

Deep branch of
radial nerve
Deep branch of
radial nerve

Supination of forearm
Extends and abducts
thumb

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Extensor Pollicis
Brevis

Posterior surface of
shaft or radius

Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb

Deep branch of
radial nerve

Extensor Pollicis
Longus
Extensor Indicis

Posterior surface of
shaft of ulna
Posterior surface of
shaft of ulna

Base of distal
phalanx of thumb
Extensor expansion
of index finger

Deep branch of
radial nerve
Deep branch of
radial nerve

Extends
metacarpophalangeal
joint of thumb
Extends distal phalanx
of thumb
Extends
metacarpophalangeal
joint of index finger

Small Muscles of the Hand

Muscle
Palmaris Brevis
Lumbricals (4)

Interossei (8)
Palmar (4)

Dorsal (4)

Origin
Flexor retinaculum,
palmar aponeurosis
Tendons of flexor
digitorum profundus

Insertion
Skin of palm

Innervation
Superficial branch of
ulnar nerve
1st and 2nd (i.e.
lateral two) median
nerve; 3rd and 4th
deep branch of ulnar
nerve

Action
Corrugates skin to
improve grip of palm
Flexes
metacarpophalangeal
joints and extend
interphalangeal joints of
fingers except thumb

First arises from

base of 1st
metacarpal;
remaining three from
anterior surface of
shafts of 2nd, 4th and
5th metacarpals
Contiguous sidesof
shafts of metacarpal
bones

Proximal phalanges
of thumb and index,
ring and little fingers
and dorsal extensor
expansion of each
finger

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Palmar interossei adduct

fingers toward center of
third finger

Proximal phalanges
of index, middle and
ring fingers and
dorsal extensor
expansion

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Dorsal interossei abduct

fingers from center of
third finger; both palmar
and dorsal flex
metacarpophalangeal
joints and extend
interphalangeal joints

Extensor expansion
of medial four
fingers

Flexor Pollicis
Brevis

Short Muscles of Thumb (Thenar Muscles; pollicis- thumb)

Scaphoid,
Base of proximal
Median nerve
trapezium, flexor
phalanx of thumb
retinaculum
Flexor retinaculum
Base of proximal
Median nerve
phalanx of thumb

Opponens Pollicis

Flexor retinaculum

Abductor Pollicis
Brevis

Shaft of metacarpal
bone of thumb
Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb

Median nerve

Abduction of thumb
Flexes
metacarpophalangeal
joint of thumb
Pulls thumb medially
and forward across palm
Adduction of thumb

Oblique head; 2nd

Deep branch of
and 3rd metacarpal
ulnar nerve
bones; transverse
head; 3rd metacarpal
bone
Short Muscles of Little Finger (Hypothenar Muscles; digiti minimi- 5th digit)
Abductor Digiti
Pisiform bone
Base of proximal
Deep branch of
Abducts little finger
Minimi
phalanx of little
ulnar nerve
finger
Flexor Digiti
Flexor retinaculum
Base of proximal
Deep branch of
Flexes little finger
Minimi
phalanx of little
ulnar nerve
finger
Opponens Digiti
Flexor retinaculum
Medial border of 5th
Deep branch of
Pulls 5th metacarpal
Minimi
metacarpal bone
ulnar nerve
forward as in cupping
the palm
Adductor Pollicis

Summary of the Branches of the Brachial Plexus and their Distribution

Branches

Distribution
Roots

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Dorsal Scapular Nerve (C5)
Long Thoracic Nerve (C5, 6, 7)

Rhomboid minor, rhomboid major, levator scapulae

Serratus anterior
Upper Trunk
Suprascapular Nerve (C5, 6)
Supraspinatus and infraspinatus
Nerve to Subclavius (C5, 6)
Subclavius
Lateral Cord
Lateral Pectoral Nerve (C5, 6, 7)
Pectoralis major
Musculocutaneous Nerve (C5, 6, 7)
Coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, brachialis; supplies skin
along lateral border of forearm when it becomes the
lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm
Lateral root of Median Nerve (C5, 6, 7)
(See medial root of median nerve)
Posterior Cord
Upper Subscapular Nerve (C5, 6)
Subscapularis
Thoracodorsal Nerve (C6, 7, 8)
Latissimus dorsi
Lower Subscapular Nerve (C5, 6)
Subscapularis and teres major
Axillary Nerve (C5, 6)
Deltoid and teres minor; upper and lateral cutaneous
nerve of arm supplies skin over lower half of deltoid
muscle
Radial Nerve (C5, 6, 7, 8; T1)
Triceps, anconeus, part of brachialis, ECRL; via deep
radial nerve branch supplies extensor muscles of forearm:
supinator, ECRB, ECU, ED, EDM, EI, AbPL, EPL, EPB;
skin, lower lateral cutaneous nerve of arm, posterior
cutaneous nerve of arm, and posterior cutaneous nerve of
forearm; skin on lateral side of dorsum of hand and dorsal
surface of lateral three and a half of fingers; articular
branches to elbow, wrist and hand
Medial Cord
Medial Pectoral Nerve (C8; T1)
Pectoralis major and pectoralis minor
Medial Cutaneous Nerve of arm joined by intercostals Skin of medial side of arm
brachial nerve from second intercostals nerve (C8;
T1, 2)
Medial Cutaneous Nerve of forearm (C8; T1)
Skin of medial side of forearm
Ulnar Nerve (C8; T1)
FCU and medial half of FDP, FDM, ODM, AbDM, AdP, 3rd
and 4th lumbricals, interossei, PB, skin of medial half of
dorsum of hand and palm, skin of palmar and dorsal
surfaces of medial one and a half fingers
Medial root of Median Nerve (with lateral root) forms
PT, FCR, PL, FDS, AbPB, FPB, OP, first two lumbricals
Median Nerve (C5, 6, 7, 8; T1)
(by way of anterior interosseus branch), FPL, FDP (lateral
half), PQ, palmar cutaneous branch to lateral half of palm
and digital branches to palmar surface of lateral three and
a half fingers; articular branches to elbow, wrist and
carpal joints

11

Muscles of the Gluteal Region

Muscle
Gluteus
maximus

Origin
Insertion
Nerve Supply
Action
Outer surface of ilium, Iliotibial tract and gluteal Inferior gluteal nerve Extends and laterally rotates hip
sacrum, coccyx,
tuberosity of femur
joint; through iliotibial tract, it
sacrotuberous ligament
extends knee joint
Gluteus
Outer surface of ilium Lateral surface of
Superior gluteal
Abducts thigh at hip joint; tilts
medius
greater trochanter of
nerve
pelvis when walking to permit
femur
opposite leg to clear ground
Gluteus
Outer surface of ilium Anterior surface of
Superior gluteal
Abducts thigh at hip joint; tilts
minimus
greater trochanter of
nerve
pelvis when walking to permit
femur
opposite leg to clear ground
Tensor fasciae Iliac crest
Iliotibial tract
Superior gluteal
Assists gluteus maximus in
latae
nerve
extending the knee joint
Piriformis
Anterior surface of
Upper border of greater First and second
Lateral rotator of thigh at hip
sacrum
trochanter of femur
sacral nerves
joint
Obturator
Inner surface of
Upper border of greater Sacral plexus
Lateral rotator of thigh at hip
internus
obturator membrane
trochanter of femur
joint
Gemellus
Spine of ischium
Upper border of greater Sacral plexus
Lateral rotator of thigh at hip
superior
trochanter of femur
joint
Gemellus
Ischial tuberosity
Upper border of greater Sacral plexus
Lateral rotator of thigh at hip
inferior
trochanter of femur
joint
Quadratus
Lateral border of ischial Quadrate tubercle of
Sacral plexus
Lateral rotator of thigh at hip
femoris
tuberosity
femur
joint
Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh
Muscle
Sartorius

Origin
Anterior superior iliac
spine

Insertion
Nerve Supply
Upper medial surface of Femoral nerve
shaft of tibia

Iliacus

Iliac fossa of hip bone

With psoas into lesser

trochanter of femur

Psoas

Transverse processes, With iliacus into lesser Lumbar plexus

bodies, and
trochanter of femur
intervertebral discs of
the 12th thoracic and
five lumbar vertebrae
Superior ramus of pubis Upper end of linea
Femoral nerve
aspera of shaft of femur

Pectineus
Quadriceps
femoris
Rectus
femoris

Femoral nerve

Straight head: anterior Quadriceps tendon into Femoral nerve

inferior iliac spine
patella, then via

Action
Flexes, abducts, laterally rotates
thigh at hip joint; flexes and
medially rotates leg at knee joint
Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is
fixed, it flexes the trunk on the
thigh as in sitting up from lying
down
Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is
fixed, it flexes the trunk on thigh
as in sitting up from lying down
Flexes and adducts thigh at hip
joint
Extension of leg at knee joint;
flexes thigh at hip joint

12

Vastus
lateralis
Vastus
medialis
Vastus
intermedius

Reflected head: ilium

above acetabulum
Upper end and shaft of
femur

ligamentum patellae
into tubercle of tibia
Quadriceps tendon into Femoral nerve
patella, then via
ligamentum patellae
into tubercle of tibia
Upper end and shaft of Quadriceps tendon into Femoral nerve
femur
patella, then via
ligamentum patellae
into tubercle of tibia
Anterior and lateral
Quadriceps tendon into Femoral nerve
surfaces of shaft of
patella, then via
femur
ligamentum patellae
into tubercle of tibia

Extension of leg at knee joint

Extension of leg at knee joint;

stabilizes patella
Extension of leg at knee joint;
articularis genus retracts
synovial membrane

Muscles of the Medial Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

Muscle
Gracilis
Adductor
longus
Adductor
brevis
Adductor
magnus
Obturator
externus

Origin
Insertion
Inferior ramus of pubis, Upper part of shaft of
ramus of ischium
tibia on medial surface
Body of pubis, medial to Posterior surface of
pubic tubercle
shaft of femur (linea
aspera)
Inferior ramus of pubis Posterior surface of
shaft of femur (linea
aspera)
Inferior ramus of pubis, Posterior surface of
ramus of ischium,
shaft of femur, adductor
ischial tuberosity
tubercle of femur
Outer surface of
obturator membrane
and pubic and ischial
rami

Medial surface of
greater trochanter

Nerve Supply
Obturator nerve
Obturator nerve

Action
Adducts thigh at hip joint; flexes
leg at knee joint
Adducts thigh at hip joint and
assists in lateral rotation

Obturator nerve

Adducts thigh at hip joint and

assists in lateral rotation

Adductor portion:
obturator nerve
Hamstring portion:
sciatic nerve
Obturator nerve

Adducts thigh at hip joint and

assists in lateral rotation;
hamstring portion extends thigh
at hip joint
Laterally rotates thigh at hip
joint

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

Muscle
Biceps femoris

Origin
Long head: ischial
tuberosity

Semitendinosus

Insertion
Head of fibula

Short head: linea

aspera, lateral
supracondylar ridge of
shaft of femur
Ischial tuberosity
Upper part of medial
surface of shaft of tibia

Nerve Supply
Long head: tibial
portion of sciatic
nerve

Action
Flexes and laterally rotates
leg at knee joint; long head
also extends thigh at hip
joint

Short head: common

peroneal portion of
sciatic nerve
Tibial portion of
sciatic nerve

Semimembranosus Ischial tuberosity

Medial condyle of tibia Tibial portion of

sciatic nerve

Adductor magnus Ischial tuberosity

(hamstring portion)

Adductor tubercle of
femur

Tibial portion of
sciatic nerve

Flexes and medially

rotates leg at knee joint;
extends thigh at hip joint
Flexes and medially
rotates leg at knee joint;
extends thigh at hip joint
Extends thigh at hip joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg

Muscle
Tibialis
anterior

Origin
Insertion
Nerve Supply
Action
Lateral surface of shaft Medial cuneiform and Deep peroneal nerveExtendsb foot at ankle joint;
of tibia and
base of first metatarsal
inverts foot at subtalar and
interosseous membrane bone
transverse tarsal joints; holds
up medial longitudinall arch of

13
Extensor
digitorum
longus
Peroneus
tertius
Extensor
hallucis
longus
Extensor
digitorum
brevis

foot
Anterior surface of shaft Extensor expansion of Deep peroneal nerveExtends toes; extends foot at
of fibula
lateral four toes
ankle joint
Anterior surface of shaft Base of fifth metatarsal Deep peroneal nerveExtends foot at ankle joint;
of fibula
bone
everts foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joints
Anterior surface of shaft Base of distal phalanx Deep peroneal nerveExtends big toe; extends foot at
of fibula
of great toe
ankle joint; inverts foot at
subtalar and transverse tarsal
joints
Calcaneum
By four tendons into the Deep peroneal nerve
proximal phalanx of big
toe and long extensor
tendons to second,
third, and fourth toes
Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Leg

Muscle
Peroneus
longus

Origin
Insertion
Nerve Supply
Action
Lateral surface of shaft Base of first metatarsal Superficial peroneal Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint;
of fibula
and the medial
nerve
everts foot at subtalar and
cuneiform
transverse tarsal joints;
supports lateral longitudinal and
transverse arches of foot
Peroneus
Lateral surface of fibula Base of fifth metatarsal Superficial peroneal Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint;
brevis shaft of
bone
nerve
everts foot at subtalar and
fibula
transverse tarsal joint; supports
lateral longitudinal arch of foot
Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg
Muscle

Insertion
Nerve Supply
Superficial Group
Gastrocnemius Lateral head from
Via tendo calcaneus
Tibial nerve
lateral condyle of femur into posterior surface of
and medial head from calcaneum
above medial condyle
Plantaris
Lateral supracondylar Posterior surface of
Tibial nerve
ridge of femur
calcaneum
Soleus
Shafts of tibia and fibula Via tendo calcaneus
Tibial nerve
into posterior surface of
calcaneum

Popliteus

Flexor
digitorum
longus

Origin

Deep Group
Lateral surface of lateral Posterior surface of
Tibial nerve
condyle of femur
shaft of tibia above
soleal line
Posterior surface of
shaft of tibia

Bases of distal
Tibial nerve
phalanges of lateral four
toes

Flexor hallucis Posterior surface of

longus
shaft of fibula

Base of distal phalanx Tibial nerve

of big toe

Tibialis
posterior

Posterior surface of
Tuberosity of navicular Tibial nerve
shafts of tibia and fibula bone and other
and interosseous
neighboring bones

Action
Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint; flexes knee joint
Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint; flexes knee joint
Together with gastrocnemius
and plantaris is powerful
plantar flexor of ankle joint;
provides main propulsive force
in walking and running
Flexes leg at knee joint;
unlocks knee joint by lateral
rotation of femur on tibia and
slackens ligaments of joint
Flexes distal phalanges of
lateral four toes; plantar flexes
foot at ankle joint; supports
medial and lateral longitudinal
arches of foot
Flexes distal phalanx of big toe;
plantar flexes foot at ankle joint;
supports medial longitudinal
arch of foot
Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint; inverts foot at subtalar
and transverse tarsal joints;

14
membrane

supports medial longitudinal

arch of foot
Muscles of the Sole of the Foot

Muscle
Origin
Abductor
hallucis
Flexor
digitorum
brevis

Insertion
Medial tuberosity of
calcaneum and flexor
retinaculum
Medial tubercle of
calcaneum

Nerve Supply
Action
First Layer
Base of proximal
Medial plantar nerve Flexes and abducts big toe;
phalanx of big toe
braces medial longitudinal arch

Four tendons to four

Medial plantar nerve Flexes lateral four toes; braces
lateral toes inserted
medial and lateral longitudinal
into borders of middle
arches
phalanx; tendons
perforated by those of
flexor digitorum longus
Abductor digiti Medial and lateral
Base of proximal
Lateral plantar nerve Flexes and abducts fifth toe;
minimi
tubercles of calcaneum phalanx of fifth toe
braces lateral longitudinal arch
Second Layer
Quadratus
Medial and lateral sides Tendon of flexor
Lateral plantar nerve Assists flexor digitorum longus
plantae
of calcaneum
digitorum longus
in flexing lateral four toes
Lumbricals (4) Tendons of flexor
Dorsal extensor
First lumbrical:
Extends toes at interphalangeal
digitorum longus
expansion; bases of
medial plantar nerve; joints
proximal phalanges of remainder: lateral
lateral four toes
plantar nerve
Flexor
digitorum
longus tendon
Flexor hallucis
longus tendon
Third Layer
Flexor hallucis Cuboid, lateral
Medial tendon into
Medial plantar nerve Flexes metatarsophalangeal
brevis
cuneiform, tibialis
medial side of base of
joint of big toe; supports medial
posterior insertion
proximal phalanx of big
longitudinal arch
toe; lateral tendon into
lateral side of base of
proximal phalanx of big
toe
Adductor
Oblique head bases of Lateral side of base of Deep branch lateral Flexes metatarsophalangeal
hallucis
second, third, and fourth proximal phalanx of big plantar nerve
joint of big toe; holds together
metatarsal bones;
toe
metatarsal bones
transverse head from
plantar ligaments
Flexor digiti
Base of fifth metatarsal Lateral side of base of Lateral plantar nerve Flexes metatarsophalangeal
minimi brevis bone
proximal phalanx of little
joint of little toe
toe
Fourth Layer
Interossei
Dorsal (4)

Plantar (3)
Peroneus
longus tendon

Adjacent sides of
metatarsal bones

Bases of proximal
Lateral plantar nerve Abduction of toes; flexes
phalanges first: medial
metatarsophalangeal joints and
side of second toe;
extends interphalangeal joints
remainder: lateral sides
of second, third, and
fourth toes also dorsal
extensor expansion
Inferior surfaces of third, Medial side of bases of Lateral plantar nerve Adduction of toes; flexes
fourth, and fifth
proximal phalanges of
metatarsophalangeal joints and
metatarsal bones
lateral three toes
extends interphalangeal joints

15
Tibialis
posterior
tendon
Muscle of the Dorsum of the Foot
Muscle
Extensor
digitorum
brevis

Origin
Insertion
Nerve Supply
Action
Anterior part of upper By four tendons into the Deep peroneal nerveExtends toes
surface of the
proximal phalanx of big
calcaneum and from the toe and long extensor
inferior extensor
tendons to second,
retinaculum
third, and fourth toes
Branches of the Sacral Plexus and Their Distribution

Branches
Superior gluteal nerve
Inferior gluteal nerve
Nerve to piriformis
Nerve to obturator internus
Nerve to quadratus femoris
Perforating cutaneous nerve
Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
Sciatic nerve (L4, 5; S1, 2, 3) Tibial portion

Common peroneal portion

Pudendal nerve

Distribution
Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae muscles
Gluteus maximus muscle
Piriformis muscle
Obturator internus and superior gemellus muscles
Quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus muscles
Skin over medial aspect of buttock
Skin over posterior surface of thigh and popliteal fossa, also over
lower part of buttock, scrotum, or labium majus
Hamstring muscles (semitendinosus, biceps femoris [long head],
adductor magnus [hamstring part]), gastrocnemius, soleus,
plantaris, popliteus, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor
hallucis longus, and via medial and lateral plantar branches to
muscles of sole of foot; sural branch supplies skin on lateral side of
leg and foot
Biceps femoris muscle (short head) and via deep peroneal branch:
tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum
longus, peroneus tertius, and extensor digitorum brevis muscles;
skin over cleft between first and second toes. The superficial
peroneal branch supplies the peroneus longus and brevis muscles
and skin over lower third of anterior surface of leg and dorsum of
foot
Muscles of perineum including the external anal sphincter, mucous
membrane of lower half of anal canal, perianal skin, skin of penis,
scrotum, clitoris, and labia majora and minora

Branches of the Lumbar Plexus and Their Distribution

Branches
Iliohypogastric nerve
Ilioinguinal nerve

Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh

Genitofemoral nerve (L1, 2)
Femoral nerve (L2, 3, 4)

Obturator nerve (L2, 3, 4)

Distribution
External oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis muscles
of anterior abdominal wall; skin over lower anterior abdominal wall
and buttock
External oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis muscles
of anterior abdominal wall; skin of upper medial aspect of thigh;
root of penis and scrotum in the male; mons pubis and labia majora
in the female
Skin of anterior and lateral surfaces of the thigh
Cremaster muscle in scrotum in male; skin over anterior surface of
thigh; nervous pathway for cremasteric reflex
Iliacus, pectineus, sartorius, quadriceps femoris muscles, and
intermediate cutaneous branches to the skin of the anterior surface
of the thigh and by saphenous branch to the skin of the medial side
of the leg and foot; articular branches to hip and knee joints
Gracilis, adductor brevis, adductor longus, obturator externus,
pectineus, adductor magnus (adductor portion), and skin on medial
surface of thigh; articular branches to hip and knee joints

16
Segmental branches

Quadratus lumborum and psoas muscles

Back
Muscles Connecting the Upper limb to the Vertebral Column/ Superficial (Appendicular) Group of Back
Muscles
*Trapezius
*Latissimus Dorsi
*Levator Scapulae
*Rhomboid Major
*Rhomboid Minor
Intermediate (Respiratory) Group of Back Muscles
Muscle
Serratus
Posterior
Superior

Serratus
Posterior Inferior

Origin
Lower portion of
ligamentum
nuchae, spinous
process of C7 to
T3 and
supraspinous
ligaments
Spinous process
of T11 to L3 and
supraspinous
ligaments

Insertion
Upper border of
ribs 2 to 5 just
lateral to their
angles

Innervation
Anterior rami of
upper thoracic
nerves (T2 to T5)

Action
Elevates ribs 2 to
5

Lower border of
ribs 9 to 12 just
lateral to their
angles

Anterior rami of
lower thoracic
nerves (T9 to
T12)

Depresses ribs 9
to 12 and may
prevent lower ribs
from being
elevated when
the diaphragm
contracts

Action
Together- draw
head backwards
extending neck;
individually- draw
and rotate head
to one side (turn
face to same
side)
Together- extend
neck; individuallydraw and rotate
head to one side
(turn face to same
side)

Deep Group of Back Muscles

SpinoTransversales Muscles
Muscle
Splenius Capitis

Origin
Lower half of
ligamentum
nuchae, spinous
processes of C7
to T4

Insertion
Mastoid process,
skull below lateral
1/3 of superior
nuchal line

Innervation
Posterior rami
middle cervical
nerves

Splenius Cervicis

Spinous
processes of T3
to T6

Transverse
processes of C1
to C3

Posterior rami
middle cervical
nerves

Erector Spinae Group of Back Muscles

Muscle
Iliocostalis Lumborum

Iliocostalis Thoracis

Origin
Sacrum, spinous process of
lumbar and lower two thoracic
vertebrae and their
supraspinous ligaments and
the iliac crest
Angles of the lower 6 ribs

Insertion
Angles of the lower 6 or 7 ribs

Angles of the upper 6 ribs and

17
Iliocostalis Cervicis

Angles of ribs 3 to 6

Longissimus Thoracis

Blends with iliocostalis in

lumbar region and is attached
to transverse processes of
lumbar vertebrae
Transverse processes of upper
4 or 5 thoracic vertebrae
Transverse processes of upper
4 or 5 thoracic vertebrae and
articular processes of lower
three or four cervical vertebrae
Spinous processes of T10 or
T11 to L2
Lower part of ligamentum
nuchae and spinous processes
of C7 (sometimes T1 to T2)
Usually blends with
semispinalis capitis

Longissimus Cervicis
Longissimus Capitis

Spinalis Thoracis
Spinalis Cervicis
Spinalis Capitis

the transverse process of C7

Transverse processes of C4 to
C6
Transverse processes of all
thoracic vertebrae and just
lateral to the tubercles of the
lower 9 or 10 ribs
Transverse processes of C2 to
C6
Posterior margin of the mastoid
process
Spinous processes of T1 to T8
(varies)
Spinous process of C2 (axis)
With semispinalis capitis

Transversospinales Group of Back Muscles

Muscle
Semispinalis Thoracis

Origin
Transverse processes of T2 to
T10

Semispinalis Cervicis

Transverse processes of upper

5 or 6 thoracic vertebrae
Transverse processes of T1 to
T6 (or T7) and C7 and articular
processes of C4 to C6
Sacrum, origin of erector
spinae, PSIS, mammillary
processes of lumbar vertebrae,
transverse processes of
thoracic vertebrae and articular
processes of lower four cervical
vertebrae
Mammillary processes of
lumbar vertebrae
Transverse processes of
thoracic vertebrae
Articular processes of cervical
vertebrae

Semispinalis Capitis
Multifidus

Rotatores Lumborum
Rotatores Thoracis
Rotatores Cervicis

Insertion
Spinous processes of upper 4
thoracic and lower 2 cervical
vertebrae
Spinous processes of C2 (axis)
to C5
Medial area between the
superior and inferior nuchal
lines of occipital bone
Base of spinous processes of
all vertebrae from L5 to C2

Spinous processes of ;umbar

vertebrae
Spinous processes of thoracic
vertebrae
Spinous processes of cervical
vertebrae

Segmental Back Muscles

Muscle
Levatores Costarum
Interspinales

Intertransversarii

Origin
Short paired muscles
arising from transverse
processes of C7 to T11
Short paired muscles
attached to the
spinous process of
contiguous vertebrae,
one on each side of
the interspinous
ligament
Small muscles
between the
transverse processes
of contiguous
vertebrae

Insertion
The rib below vertebra
of origin near tubercle

Action
Contraction elevates
rib

18
Suboccipital Gorup of Back Muscles
Muscle
Rectus Capitis
Posterior Major

Origin
Spinous process
of axis (C2)

Rectus Capitis
Posterior Minor

Posterior tubercle
of atlas (C1)

Obliquus Capitis
Superior

Transverse
process of atlas
(C1)

Obliquus Capitis
Inferior

Spinous process
of axis (C2)

Insertion
Lateral portion of
occipital bone
below inferior
nuchal line
Medial portion of
occipital bone
below inferior
nuchal line
Occipital bone
between superior
and inferior
nuchal lines
Transverse
process of atlas
(C1)

Innervation
Posterior ramus
of C1

Function
Extension of
head; rotation of
face to same side
as muscle
Extension of head

Posterior
of C1

ramus

Posterior
of C1

ramus

Extension of head
and bends it to
same side

Posterior
of C1

ramus

Rotation of face
to same side

Thorax
Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Thoracic Wall/ Muscles of the Pectoral Region (except Serratus
Anterior)
*Pectoralis Major
*Subclavius
*Pectoralis Minor
Muscles of the Thorax/ Thoracic Wall
Muscle
External
Intercostal

Origin
Inferior margin of
rib above

Insertion
Superior surface f
rib below

Innervation
Intercostal
nerves; T1-T11

Internal
Intercostal

Lateral edge of
costal groove of
rib above

Intercostal
nerves; T1-T11

Innermost
Intercostal

Medial edge of
costal groove of
rib above
Internal surface
(near angle) of
lower ribs
Lower margins
and internal
surfaces of
cocostal
cartilages of 2nd to
6th ribs
Xiphoid process;
lower six costal
cartilages, first
three lumbar
vertebrae

Superior surface
of rib below deep
to the attachment
of the related
external
intercostal
Internal aspect of
superior surface
of rib below
Internal surface of
2nd to 3rd rib below
Inferior aspect of
deep surface of
body of sternum,
xiphoid process
and costal
cartilages ribs 4-7
Central tendon

Related
intercostals
nerves

Depresses costal
cartilages

Phrenic nerve

Very important
muscle of
inspiration;
increases vertical
diameter of thorax
by pulling central
tendon
downward;
assists in raising

Subcostales
Transversus
Thoracis

Diaphragm (most
important muscle
of respiration)

Intercostal
nerves; T1-T11
Related
intercostal nerves

Function
Most active
during inspiration;
supports
intercostals
space; moves ribs
superiorly
Most active
during expiration;
supports
intercostals
space; moves ribs
inferiorly
Acts with internal
intercostals
muscles
May depress ribs

19

Levatores
Costarum (12)
Serratus
Posterior
Superior
Serratus
Posterior Inferior

Tip of transverse
process of C7
and T1-11
vertebrae

Rib below

Posterior rami of
thoracic spinal
nerves

(see Intermediate (Respiratory) Group of Back Muscles)

lower ribs. Also

used in
abdominal
straining and
weight lifting
Raises ribs and
therefore
inspiratory
muscles