Name of Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Supply Action

Muscles of the Thorax

External intercostal Inferior border of rib Superior border of rib below Intercostal nerves Raise ribs during inspiration, increase
anteroposterior and transverse diameters of
thorax
Internal intercostal Inferior border of rib Superior border of rib below Intercostal nerves Lower ribs during expiration
Diaphragm Xiphoid process; lower six costal Central tendon Phrenic nerve Very important muscle of inspiration;
cartilages, first three lumbar vertebrae increases vertical diameter of thorax, assists
in raising lower ribs Also used in abdominal
straining and weight lifting
Muscles of the Abdominal Wall
External oblique Lower eight ribs Xiphoid process, linea alba, pubic Lower six thoracic Supports abdominal contents; compresses
crest, pubic tubercle, iliac crest nerves and abdominal contents; assists in flexing and
iliohypogastric and rotation of trunk; assists in forced expiration,
ilioinguinal nerves micturition, defecation, parturition, and
vomiting
Internal oblique Lumbar fascia, iliac crest, lateral two Lower three ribs and costal thoracic nerves and As above
thirds of inguinal ligament cartilages, xiphoid process, linea iliohypogastric and
alba, symphysis pubis ilioinguinal nerves
Transversus Lower six costal cartilages, lumbar Xiphoid process, linea alba, Lower six thoracic Compresses abdominal contents
fascia, iliac crest, lateral third of symphysis pubis nerves and
inguinal ligament iliohypogastric and
ilioinguinal nerves
Rectus abdominis Symphysis pubis and pubic crest 5th, 6th and 7th costal cartilages Lower six thoracic Compresses abdominal contents and flexes
and xiphoid process nerves vertebral column; accessory muscle of
expiration
Pyramidalis Anterior surface of pubis Linea alba 12th thoracic nerve Tenses the linea alba
Psoas Transverse processes, bodies, and lesser trochanter of femur Lumbar plexus Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is fixed, it
intervertebral discs of 12th thoracic flexes trunk on thigh, as in sitting up from
and five lumbar vertebrae lying position
Quadratus lumborum Iliolumbar ligament, iliac crest, tips 12th rib Lumbar plexus Fixes 12th rib during inspiration; depresses
of transverse processes of lower 12th rib during forced expiration; laterally
lumbar vertebrae flexes vertebral column same side
Iliacus Iliac fossa With psoas into lesser trochanter Femoral nerve Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is fixed, it
of femur flexes the trunk on the thigh, as in sitting up
from lying position
Muscles of the Pelvic Walls and Floor
Piriformis Front of sacrum Greater trochanter of femur Sacral plexus Lateral rotator of femur at hip joint
Obturator internus Obturator membrane and adjoining Greater trochanter of femur Nerve to obturator Lateral rotator of femur at hip joint
part of hip bone internus from sacral
plexus
Levator ani Body of pubis, fascia of obturator Perineal body; Fourth sacral nerve, Supports pelvic
internus, spine of ischium anococcygeal body; walls of pudendal nerve viscera; sphincter to anorectal junction and
prostate, vagina, rectum, and anal vagina
canal
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Coccygeus Spine of ischium Lower end of sacrum; coccyx Fourth and fifth sacral Assists levator ani to support pelvic viscera;
nerve flexes coccyx
Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Thoracic Wall
Pectoralis major Clavicle, sternum, and upper six Lateral lip of Medial and lateral Adducts arm and rotates it medially;
costal cartilages bicipital groove of humerus pectoral nerves from clavicular fibers also flex arm
brachial plexus
Pectoralis minor 3rd, 4th, and 5th ribs Coracoid process of scapula Medial pectoral nerve Depresses point of
from brachial plexus shoulder; if the scapula is fixed, it elevates the
ribs of origin
Subclavius 1st costal cartilage Clavicle Nerve to subclavius Depresses the clavicle and steadies this bone
from upper trunk of during movements of the shoulder girdle
brachial plexus
Serratus anterior Upper eight ribs Medial border and inferior angle Long thoracic nerve Draws the forward anterior around the
of scapula thoracic wall; rotates scapula
Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Vertebral Column
Trapezius Occipital bone, Upper fibers into lateral third of Spinal part of Upper fibers elevate the scapula; middle
ligamentum nuchae, spine of 7th clavicle; middle and lower fibers accessory nerve fibers pull scapula medially; lower fibers pull
cervical vertebra, spines of all into acromion and spine of medial border of scapula downward
thoracic vertebrae scapula
Latissimus dorsi Iliac crest, lumbar fascia, spines of Floor of bicipital groove of Thoracodorsal nerve Extends, adducts, and medially rotates the
lower six thoracic vertebrae, lower humerus arm
three or four ribs, and inferior angle
of scapula
Levator scapulae Transverse processes of 1st four Medial border of scapula C3 and 4 and dorsal Raises medial border of scapula
cervical vertebrae scapular nerve
Rhomboid minor Ligamentum nuchae and spines of 7th Medial border of scapula Dorsal scapular nerve Raises medial border of scapula upward and
cervical and 1st thoracic vertebrae medially
Rhomboid major Second to 5th thoracic spines Medial border of scapula Dorsal scapular nerve Raises medial border of scapula upward and
medially
Muscles Connecting the Scapula to the Humerus
Deltoid Lateral third of clavicle, acromion, Middle of lateral surface of shaft Axillary nerve Abducts arm; anterior fibers flex and medially
spine of scapula of humerus rotate arm; posterior fibers extend and
laterally rotate arm
Supraspinatus Supraspinous fossa of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus; Suprascapular nerve Abducts arm and stabilizes shoulder joint
capsule of shoulder joint
Infraspinatus Infraspinous fossa of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus; Suprascapular nerve Laterally rotates arm and stabilizes shoulder
capsule of shoulder joint joint
Teres major Lower third of lateral border of Medial lip of bicipital groove of Lower subscapular Medially rotates and adducts arm and
scapula humerus nerve stabilizes shoulder joint
Teres minor Upper two thirds of lateral border of Greater tuberosity of humerus; Axillary nerve Laterally rotates arm and stabilizes shoulder
scapula capsule of shoulder joint joint
Subscapularis Subscapular fossa Lesser tuberosity of humerus Upper and lower Medially rotates arm and stabilizes shoulder
subscapular nerves joint
Muscles of the Arm

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Anterior
Compartment
Biceps brachii
Long head Supraglenoid tubercle of scapula Radial Tuberosity Musculocutaneous Supinator of forearm and flexor of elbow
nerve joint; weak flexor of shoulder joint
Short head Coracoid process of scapula
Coracobrachialis Coracoid process of scapula Medial aspect of shaft of humerus Musculocutaneous Flexes arm and also weak adductor
nerve
Brachialis Front of lower half of humerus Coronoid process of ulna Musculocutaneous Flexor of elbow joint
nerve
Posterior
Compartment
Triceps
Long head Infraglenoid tubercle of scapula
Lateral head Upper half of posterior surface of Olecranon process of ulna Radial nerve Extensor of elbow joint
shaft of humerus
Medial head Lower half of posterior surface of
shaft of humerus
Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm
Pronator Teres
Humeral head Medial epicondyle of humerus Lateral aspect of shaft of radius Median nerve Pronation and flexion of forearm
Ulnar head Medial border of coronoid process of
ulna
Flexor carpi radialis Medial epicondyle of humerus Bases of second and third Median nerve Flexes and abducts hand at wrist joint
metacarpal bones
Palmaris longus Medial epicondyle of humerus Flexor retinaculum and palmar Median nerve Flexes hand
aponeurosis
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Humeral head Medial epicondyle of humerus Pisiform bone, hook of the Ulnar nerve Flexes and adducts hand at wrist joint
hamate, base at fifth metacarpal
bone
Ulnar head Medial aspect of olecranon process
and posterior border of ulna
Flexor Digitorum
Superficialis
Humeroulnar head Medial epicondyle of humerus; Middle phalanx of medial four Median nerve Flexes middle phalanx of fingers and assists
medial border of coronoid process of fingers in flexing proximal phalanx and hand
ulna
Radial head Oblique line on anterior surface of
shaft of radius
Flexor pollicis longus Anterior surface of shaft of radius Distal phalanx of thumb Anterior interosseous Flexes distal phalanx of thumb
branch of median
nerve
Flexor Anteromedial surface of shaft of ulna Distal phalanges of medial four Ulnar (medial half) Flexes distal phalanx of fingers; then assists

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digitorum profundus fingers and median (lateral in flexion of middle and proximal phalanges
half) nerves and wrist
Pronator quadratus Anterior surface of shaft of ulna Anterior surface of shaft of radius Anterior interosseous Pronates forearm
branch of median
nerve
Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Forearm
Brachioradialis Lateral supracondylar ridge of Base of styloid process of radius Radial nerve Flexes forearm at elbow joint; rotates forearm
humerus to the midprone position
Extensor carpi radialis Lateral supracondylar ridge of Posterior surface of base of Radial nerve Extends and
longus humerus second metacarpal bone abducts hand at wrist joint
Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm
Extensor carpi radialis Lateral epicondyle of humerus Posterior surface of base of third Deep branch of radial Extends and abducts hand at wrist joint
brevis metacarpal bone nerve
Extensor digitorum Lateral epicondyle of humerus Middle and distal phalanges of Deep branch of radial Extends fingers and hand
medial four fingers nerve
Extensor digiti minimi Lateral epicondyle of humerus Extensor expansion of little finger Deep branch of radial Extends metacarpal phalangeal joint of little
nerve finger
Extensor carpi ulnaris Lateral epicondyle of humerus Base of 5th metacarpal bone Deep branch of radial Extends and adducts hand at wrist joint
nerve
Anconeus Lateral epicondyle of humerus Lateral surface of olecranon Radial nerve Extends elbow joint
process of ulna
Supinator Lateral epicondyle of humerus, anular Neck and shaft of radius Deep branch of radial Supination of forearm
ligament of proximal radioulnar joint, nerve
and ulna
Abductor pollicis Posterior surface of shafts of radius Base of first metacarpal bone Deep branch of radial Abducts and extends thumb
longus and ulna nerve
Extensor pollicis brevis Posterior surface of shaft of radius Base of proximal phalanx of Deep branch of radial Extends
thumb nerve metacarpophalangeal joints of thumb
Extensor pollicis Posterior surface of shaft of ulna Base of distal phalanx of thumb Deep branch of radial Extends distal phalanx of thumb
longus nerve
Extensor indicis Posterior surface of shaft of ulna Extensor expansion of index Deep branch of radial Extends
finger nerve metacarpophalangeal joint of index finger
Small Muscles of the Hand
Palmaris brevis Flexor retinaculum, palmar Skin of palm Superficial branch of Corrugates skin to improve grip of palm
Aponeurosis ulnar nerve
Lumbricals Tendons of flexor digitorum Extensor expansion of medial four 1st and 2nd, Flex metacarpophalangeal joints and extend
profundus fingers (i.e., lateral two) interphalangeal joints of fingers except thumb
median nerve; 3rd and
4th deep branch of
ulnar nerve
Interossei
Palmar First arises from base of 1st Proximal phalanges of thumb and Deep branch of ulnar Palmar interossei adduct fingers toward center
metacarpal; remaining three from index, ring, and little fingers and nerve of third finger
anterior surface of shafts of 2nd, 4th, dorsal extensor expansion of each

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 and 5th metacarpals finger
Dorsal Contiguous sides of shafts of Proximal phalanges of index, Deep branch of ulnar Dorsal interossei abduct fingers from center
metacarpal bones middle, and ring fingers and nerve of third finger; both palmar and dorsal flex
dorsal extensor expansion metacarpophalangeal joints and extend
interphalangeal joints
Short Muscles of Thumb
Abductor pollicis Scaphoid, trapezium, flexor Base of proximal phalanx of Median nerve Abduction of thumb
brevis retinaculum thumb
Flexor pollicis brevis Flexor retinaculum Base of proximal phalanx of Median nerve Flexes
thumb metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb
Opponens pollicis Flexor retinaculum Shaft of metacarpal bone of Median nerve Pulls thumb medially and forward across
thumb palm
Adductor pollicis Oblique head; 2nd and 3rd metacarpal Base of proximal phalanx of Deep branch of ulnar Adduction of thumb
bones; transverse head; 3rd thumb nerve
metacarpal bone
Short Muscles of Little Finger
Abductor digiti minimi Pisiform bone Base of proximal phalanx of little Deep branch of ulnar Abducts little finger
finger nerve
Flexor digiti minimi Flexor retinaculum Base of proximal phalanx of little Deep branch of ulnar Flexes little finger
finger nerve
Opponens digiti Flexor retinaculum Medial border fifth metacarpal Deep branch of ulnar Pulls 5th metacarpal forward as in cupping
minimi bone nerve the palm
Muscles of the Gluteal Region
Gluteus maximus Outer surface of ilium, sacrum, Iliotibial tract and gluteal Inferior gluteal nerve Extends and
coccyx, tuberosity of femur laterally rotates hip joint; through iliotibial
sacrotuberous ligament tract, it extends knee joint
Gluteus medius Outer surface of ilium Lateral surface of greater Superior gluteal nerve Abducts thigh at hip joint; tilts pelvis when
trochanter of femur walking to permit opposite leg to clear ground
Gluteus minimus Outer surface of ilium Anterior surface of greater Superior gluteal nerve Abducts thigh at hip joint; tilts pelvis when
trochanter of femur walking to permit opposite leg to clear ground
Tensor fasciae latae Iliac crest Iliotibial tract Superior gluteal nerve Assists gluteus maximus in extending the
knee joint
Piriformis Anterior surface of sacrum Upper border of greater trochanter 1st and 2nd sacral Lateral rotator of thigh at hip joint
of femur nerves
Obturator internus Inner surface of obturator membrane Upper border of greater trochanter Sacral plexus Lateral rotator of thigh at hip joint
of femur
Gemellus superior Spine of ischium Upper border of greater trochanter Sacral plexus Lateral rotator of thigh at hip joint
of femur
Gemellus inferior Ischial tuberosity
Quadratus femoris Lateral border of ischial tuberosity
Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh
Sartorius Anterior superior iliac spine Upper medial surface of shaft of Femoral nerve Flexes, abducts, laterally rotates thigh at hip
tibia joint; flexes and medially rotates leg at knee
joint

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Iliacus Iliac fossa of hip bone With psoas into lesser trochanter Femoral nerve Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is fixed, it
of femur flexes the trunk on the thigh as in sitting up
from lying down
Psoas Transverse processes, bodies, and With iliacus into lesser trochanter Lumbar plexus Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh is fixed, it
intervertebral discs of the 12th of femur flexes the trunk on thigh as in sitting up from
thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae lying down
Pectineus Superior ramus of pubis Upper end of linea aspera of shaft Femoral nerve Flexes and adducts thigh at hip joint
of femur
Quadriceps femoris
Rectus femoris Straight head: anterior inferior iliac Quadriceps tendon into patella, Femoral nerve Extension of leg at knee joint; flexes thigh at
spine Reflected head: ilium above then via ligamentum patellae into hip joint
acetabulum tubercle of tibia
Vastus lateralis Upper end and shaft of femur Quadriceps tendon into patella, Femoral nerve Extension of leg at knee joint
then via ligamentum patellae into
tubercle of tibia
Vastus medialis Vastus medialis Quadriceps tendon into patella, Femoral nerve Extension of leg at knee joint; stabilizes
then via ligamentum patellae into patella
tubercle of tibia
Vastus intermedius Anterior and lateral surfaces of shaft Quadriceps tendon into patella, Femoral nerve Extension of leg at knee joint; articularis
of femur then via ligamentum patellae into genus retracts synovial membrane
tubercle of tibia
Muscles of the Medial Fascial Compartment of the Thigh
Gracilis Inferior ramus of pubis, ramus of Upper part of shaft of tibia on Obturator nerve Adducts thigh at hip joint; flexes leg at knee
ischium medial surface joint
Adductor longus Body of pubis, medial to pubic Posterior surface of shaft of femur Obturator nerve Adducts thigh at hip joint and assists in lateral
tubercle (linea aspera) rotation
Adductor brevis Inferior ramus of pubis Posterior surface of shaft of femur Obturator nerve Adducts thigh at hip joint and assists in lateral
(linea aspera) rotation
Adductor magnus Inferior ramus of pubis, ramus of Posterior surface of shaft of Adductor portion: Adducts thigh at hip joint and assists in lateral
ischium, ischial tuberosity femur, adductor tubercle of femur obturator nerve rotation; hamstring portion extends thigh at
Hamstring portion: hip joint
sciatic nerve
Obturator externus Outer surface of obturator membrane Medial surface of greater Obturator nerve Laterally rotates thigh at hip joint
and pubic and ischial rami trochanter
Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh
Biceps femoris
Long head Ischial tuberosity Head of fibula tibial portion of sciatic Flexes and laterally rotates leg at knee joint;
nerve long head also extends thigh at hip joint
Short head linea aspera, lateral supracondylar common
ridge of shaft of femur peroneal portion of
sciatic nerve
Semitendinosus Ischial tuberosity Upper part of medial surface of Tibial portion of Flexes and medially rotates leg at knee joint;
shaft of tibia sciatic nerve extends thigh at hip joint
Semimembranosus Medial condyle of tibia Flexes and medially rotates leg at knee joint;

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 extends thigh at hip joint
Adductor magnus Adductor Extends thigh at hip joint
(hamstring portion) tubercle of femur
Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg
Tibialis anterior Lateral surface of shaft of tibia and Medial cuneiform and base of 1st Deep peroneal nerve Extendsb foot at ankle joint;
interosseous membrane metatarsal bone inverts foot at subtalar and transverse tarsal
joints; holds up medial longitudinal arch of
foot
Extensor Anterior surface of shaft of fibula Extensor expansion of lateral four Deep peroneal nerve Extends toes; extends foot at ankle joint
digitorum longus toes
Peroneus tertius Anterior surface of shaft of fibula Base of 5th metatarsal bone Deep peroneal nerve Extends foot at ankle joint; everts foot at
subtalar and transverse tarsal joints
Extensor hallucis Anterior surface of shaft of fibula Base of distal phalanx of great toe Deep peroneal nerve Extends big toe; extends foot at ankle joint;
longus inverts foot at subtalar and transverse tarsal
joints
Extensor Calcaneum By four tendons into the proximal Deep peroneal nerve Extends toes
digitorum brevis phalanx of big toe and long
extensor tendons to second, third,
and fourth toes
Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Leg
Peroneus longus Lateral surface of shaft of fibula Base of 1st metatarsal and the Superficial peroneal Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; everts foot at
medial cuneiform nerve subtalar and transverse tarsal joints; supports
lateral longitudinal and transverse arches of
foot
Peroneus brevis Lateral surface of shaft of fibula Base of 5th metatarsal bone Superficial peroneal Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; everts foot at
nerve subtalar and transverse tarsal joint; supports
lateral longitudinal arch of foot
Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg
Gastrocnemius Lateral head from lateral condyle of Via tendo calcaneus into posterior Tibial nerve Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; flexes knee
femur and medial head from above surface of calcaneum joint
medial condyle
Plantaris Lateral supracondylar ridge of femur Posterior surface of calcaneum Tibial nerve Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; flexes knee
joint
Soleus Shafts of tibia and fibula Via tendo calcaneus into posterior Tibial nerve Together with gastrocnemius and plantaris is
surface of calcaneum powerful plantar flexor of ankle joint;
provides main propulsive force in walking
and running
Popliteus Lateral surface of lateral condyle of Posterior surface of shaft of tibia Tibial nerve Flexes leg at knee joint; unlocks knee joint by
femur above soleal line lateral rotation of femur on tibia and slackens
ligaments of joint
Flexor digitorum Posterior surface of shaft of tibia Bases of distal phalanges of Tibial nerve Flexes distal phalanges of lateral four toes;
longus lateral four toes plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; supports
medial and lateral longitudinal arches of foot
Flexor hallucis longus Posterior surface of shaft of fibula Base of distal phalanx of big toe Tibial nerve Flexes distal phalanx of big toe; plantar flexes
foot at ankle joint; supports medial
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 longitudinal arch of foot
Tibialis posterior Posterior surface of shafts of tibia and Tuberosity of navicular bone and Tibial nerve Plantar flexes foot at ankle joint; inverts foot
fibula and interosseous membrane other neighboring bones at subtalar and transverse tarsal joints;
supports medial longitudinal arch of foot

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