Muscle Function Image

Occipitofrontalis Moves scalp, raise the

eyebrows; innervates CN
VII

Orbicularis oculi Closes the eye

Zygomaticus Smiling, upper lip

movement, elevate angle
of mouth; major (nose),
minor (cheeks)

Buccinator Retracts angle of mouth;

flattens cheek; below
zygomatic major

Orbicularis oris Closes the lip; lip

movement
Temporalis Chewing, raises jaw, CN V

Masseter Chewing, raises jaw, CN V

 Sternocleidomastoid Neck flexion and head
rotation; accessory muscle
for forceful expiration; lifts
the ribs; CN XI, located
where carotid arteries and
great vessels are;

HEAD AND NECK

*Muscles for breathing: scalene, diaphragm, external/internal intercostals,

ANTERIOR TRUNK
Muscle Function Image
External oblique Flexes and
rotates vertebral
column;
compresses
abdomen;
depresses
thorax; located
laterally,
fascicles from
lateral to medial;
opposite side
rotator
Internal oblique Flexes and
rotates vertebral
column;
compresses
abdomen;
depresses
thorax; same
side rotator

Transverse abdominus Compresses

abdomen; under
internal oblique,
core for lumbar
spine; deepest
abdominal
muscle

Pectoralis major Flexes shoulder;

adducts and
medially rotates
arm; extends
shoulder from
flexed position;
lactic acid,
causes acidosis
Pectoralis minor Depresses
scapula and
elevates ribs;
lactic acid,
causes acidosis;
under major

External intercostals Quiet inhalation,

elevates ribs,
compress thorax,
extends to the
11th intercostal;
laterally next to
the sternum;
fascicles from
lateral to medial

Internal intercostals Forced

exhalation,
depresses and
contracts ribs,
expands thorax;
main muscle for
breathing;
medially next to
sternum;
fascicles from
medial to lateral
Rectus abdominis Flexes vertebral
column and
waist;
compresses
abdomen;
covered by
rectus sheath
(fascia) for
protection

POSTERIOR TRUNK
Muscle Function Image
Trapezius Elevates, depresses,
retracts,
rotates, and fixes
scapula;
extends neck; extends up
to scapula

Latissimus dorsi Adducts and medially

rotates arm; extends
shoulder; swimmer’s
muscle; works with
pectoralis major; medial
rotation (arms), flexion,
extension (shoulder)
Deltoid For intramuscular
injection; 4 fingers from
acromion process;
abducts arm,
flexes/extends shoulder

UPPER EXTREMITY
Muscle Function Image
Triceps brachii Extends elbow; extends
shoulder and adducts
arm; 3 heads, C6 and C7

Biceps brachii Flexes shoulder and

elbow;
supinates forearm and
hand; 2 heads, C5 and
C6

Brachialis Flexes elbow; below

biceps; covers brachial
artery
Brachioradialis Flexes elbow and
pronates forearm; C4
and C5; point for reflex

LOWER EXTREMITY
Muscle Function Image
Iliopsoas Flexes thigh and hip
joint; palpated for
appendicitis; near the
temporal artery and
vein; where the groin is;
extends to the back

Psoas sign: pain in RLQ;

sign for appendicitis

Gluteus maximus Extends hip; abducts

and laterally rotates
thigh; site for
subcutaneous injection;
posture when sitting
down; has the sciatic
nerve
Gluteus medius Abducts and medially
rotates thigh; tilts pelvis
toward supported side;
site for intramuscular
injection

Quadriceps femoris Laterally rotates thigh,

only muscles that
extend the knee
extends the knee
Rectus femoris
Biggest; rotated
medially; flexes hip,
Vastus lateralis extends knee

Best site for

Vastus medialis intramuscular injection
in kids
Vastus intermedius
Beside rectus femoris

Under rectus femoris

Sartorius Flexes hip and knee;
rotates thigh laterally
and leg medially;
longest; tailor’s muscle;
for crossing legs
 Hamstring muscles Flexes knee; laterally
rotates
leg; extends hip
Biceps femoris
2 heads; most
important

Gastrocnemius* Plantar flexes foot;

flexes knee

Soleus* Plantar flexes foot

*plantar flexion: flexing ankle

*dorsiflexion: bending ankle