LIST OF BODY MUSCLES IN HEAD AND NECK :

MUSCLES
LIST Origin Insertion Nerve Function / Action

2 occipital bellies
and facial nerve
occipitofrontalis 2 frontal bellies galea aponeurotia [CNVII] raises the eyebrows

posterior
superior nuchal line of the auricular nerve
occipital bone mastoid part (facial nerve moves the scalp
occipitalis of the temporal bone galea aponeurotica [CNVII]) back

skin of the eyebrow and facial nerve

frontalis Glabella galea aponeurotica [CNVII] wrinkles eyebrow

Orbital part: frontal bone

Palpebral part: medial Orbital part: lateral palpebral
palpebral ligament. raphe Palpebral part: lateral zygomatic
Lacrimal part: Posterior palpebral raphe Lacrimal branch of facial levator palpebrae
Orbicularis oculi crest of lacrimal bone part: Edges of eyelids nerve [CNVII] superioris

Moves skin of
forehead medially
and inferiorly
Corrugator Intermediate third of skin of Facial nerve (towards root of
supercilii Nasal part of frontal bone eyebrow [CNVII] nose)

depressor Nasal part of the frontal Medial third of skin of Facial nerve Moves skin of
supercilii bone, medial rim of orbit eyebrow [CNVII] eyebrows inferiorly
Extraocular muscles :
 Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

levator palpebrae tarsal plate, upper oculomotor nerve retracts/elevates

superioris sphenoid bone eyelid [CNIII] eyelid

underside of levator superior tarsal sympathetic raise the upper

superior tarsal palpebrae superioris plate of the eyelid nervous system eyelid
Rectus muscles :

Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

superio annulus of Zinn at 7.5 mm superior to elevates, adducts, and

r the orbital apex the corneal limbus oculomotor nerve [CNIII] rotates medially the eye

6.5 mm inferior to inferior branch of depression and

inferior the corneal limbus oculomotor nerve [CNIII] adduction

5.5 mm medial to inferior division of the

medial the corneal limbus oculomotor nerve [CNIII] adducts the eyeball

7 mm temporal to
lateral the corneal limbus abducens nerve [CNVI] abducts the eyeball
Oblique muscles :

Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Superior trochlear nerve

outer posterior [CNIV] primary: intorsion.
annulus of Zinn at quadrant of secondary:abduct (laterally rotate)
 the orbital apex,
medial to optic
canal the eyeball and depress the eyeball

orbital surface of laterally onto

the maxilla, the eyeball, deep to
lateral to the lateral rectus,
the lacrimal by a short flat oculomotor
 Inferior groove tendon nerve [CNIII] extorsion, elevation, abduction
EAR :

Muscle Origin O Insertion Nerve Action

facial nerve
[CNVII]

temporoparietalis auriculares muscle galea aponeurotica

Auriculares

auricularis facial nerve

anterior Temporal fascia front of the helix [CNVII]

auricularis Dorsocranial surface facial nerve

superior Epicranial aponeurosis of the pinna [CNVII]

auricularis Mastoid process of temporal bone and Dorsal part of the facial nerve
 posterior tendon of sternocleidomastoid pinna [CNVII]
Muscles of the inner ear :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

control the amplitude of

stapedius neck of stapes facial nerve [CNVII] sound waves to the inner ear

tensor Eustachian handle of the medial pterygoid nerve from tensing the tympanic
tympani tube malleus mandibular nerve [CNV3] membrane
Nose :
NASALIS :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

transverse
part buccal branch of
(compressor Alveolar yoke of the canine lateral nasal facial nerve compression of
naris) tooth cartilage [CNVII] nostrils

Alveolar yoke of lateral skin near the buccal branch of

Alar part incisor tooth greater and lesser margin of the facial nerve dilation of
(dilator naris) alar cartilages nostril [CNVII] nostrils
Mouth :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

levator facial nerve smile (elevates

anguli oris maxilla modiolus of mouth [CNVII] angle of mouth)

depressor tubercle of mandible modiolus of mouth mandibular depresses angle of

 branch of the
facial nerve
anguli oris [CNVII] mouth

skin and muscle of buccal branch of

levator labii Medial part of infra-orbital the upper lip (labii the facial nerce Elevates the upper
superioris margin of maxilla superioris) [CNVII] lip

oblique line of the integument of the

depressor mandible, between the lower lip, orbicularis
labii symphysis and the mental oris fibers, its fellow facial nerve Depresses the
inferioris foramen of the opposite side [CNVII] lower lip

mandibular elevates and

Alveolar yoke of the lower, branch of the wrinkles skin of
lateral incisor tooth, found facial nerve chin, protrudes
Mentalis on the anterior mandible skin of the chin [CNVII] lower lip

compress the
Alveolar processes of the buccal branch of cheeks against the
maxilla and mandible, in the fibres of the the facial nerve teeth (blowing),
Buccinator pterygomandibular raphe orbicularis oris [CNVII] mastication.

Orbicularis
oris maxilla and mandible skin around the lips puckers the lips

draw back angle of

Risorius parotid fascia modiolus of mouth mouth

Zygomatic muscles :
 Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

zygomatic bone in region of modiolus of buccal branch of the draws angle of mouth
Major zygomaticomaxillary suture mouth facial nerve [CNVII] upward and laterally

zygomatic bone in region of skin of the buccal branch of the

Minor zygomaticomaxillary suture upper lip facial nerve [CNVII] elevates upper lip
Mastication :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Angle of
anterior two-thirds of mandible, Masseteric nerve, Elevation (as in closing
inferior margin of the masseteric from mandibular of the mouth) and
masseter zygomatic arch and maxilla tuberosity nerve [CNV3] retraction of mandible

Temporal lines on the coronoid process mandibular nerve elevation and retraction
Temporalis parietal bone of the skull of the mandible [CNV3] of mandible
Pterygoid muscles :
Muscl
e Origin Insertion Nerve Action

greater wing of sphenoid condyloid external pterygoid nerve

and lateral pterygoid process of from the mandibular
Lateral process mandible nerve [CNV3] depresses mandible

Medial deep head: medial side of medial angle medial pterygoid nerve elevates mandible, closes jaw,
lateral pterygoid plate of the from the mandibular helps lateral pterygoid muscle in
behind the upper teeth mandible nerve [CNV3] moving the jaw from side to side
superficial head:
 pyramidal process of
palatine bone and
maxillary tuberosity
Tongue :
Extrinsic muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Complex - Inferior fibers

Superior part of protrude the tongue, middle
mental spine of Dorsum of fibers depress the tongue, and
mandible tongue and hypoglossal its superior fibers draw the tip
Genioglossus (symphysis menti) body of hyoid nerve back and down

side of the hypoglossal

Hyoglossus hyoid tongue nerve depresses tongue

intrinsic
lesser cornu and muscular depresses tongue (some
body of the hyoid fibers of the hypoglossal consider this muscle to be part
Chondroglossus bone tongue nerve of hyoglossus)

Styloid process of Hypoglossal

Styloglossus temporal bone tongue nerve elevates and retracts tongue

vagus nerve and

palatine cranial accessory raising the back part of the
Palatoglossus aponeurosis tongue nerve tongue
Intrinsic muscle :

Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Close to the epiglottis, shortens, turns tip

Superior from the median fibrous edges of the hypoglossal upward, turns lateral
longitudinal septum tongue nerve margins upward

sides of the hypoglossal narrows and not

Transversus Median fibrous septum tongue nerve elongated

Inferior apex of the Hypoglossal shortens, retracts, pulls tip

longitudinal Root of the tongue tongue nerve downward

inferior surface
verticalis borders of hypoglossal
muscle Dorsum of tongue tongue nerve flattens
Soft palate :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Moves and
changes shape of
musculus uvulae hard palate the uvula

vagus nerve and Aids in respiration by

palatine cranial accessory raising the back part
Palatoglossus aponeurosis tongue nerve of the tongue

Palatopharyngeus palatine upper border of thyroid vagus nerve and Aids in respiration by
aponeurosis and cartilage (blends with cranial accessory pulling the pharynx
 hard palate constrictor fibers) nerve and larynx
Pharynx :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

elevate the larynx,

temporal elevate the
styloid thyroid cartilage glossopharyngeal pharynx,
Stylopharyngeus process (pharynx) nerve swallowing

Cartilage of
the posterior fasciculus of vagus nerve and
Eustachian the pharyngopalatinus cranial accessory raise the
salpingopharyngeus tube muscle nerve nasopharynx
Pharyngeal muscles :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

external laryngeal
Inferior cricoid and thyroid cartilage pharyngeal raphe branch of the vagus Swallowing

Middle hyoid bone pharyngeal raphe vagus nerve Swallowing

medial pterygoid plate,

pterygomandibular raphé, alveolar pharyngeal raphe,
Superior process pharyngeal tubercle vagus nerve Swallowing
Larynx :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

cricothyroid anterior and lateral inferior cornu and external tension and elongation of the
 laryngeal
lamina of the branch of the vocal folds (has minor
cricoid cartilage thyroid cartilage vagus adductory effect)

recurrent
arytenoid laryngeal
arytenoid cartilage cartilage on the branch of the approximate the arytenoid
Arytenoid on one side opposite side vagus cartilages (close rima glottidis)

inner surface of recurrent thickens the vocal folds and

the thyroid anterior surface laryngeal decreases length; also helps to
thyroarytenoi cartilage (anterior of arytenoid branch of the adduct the vocal folds during
d aspect) cartilage vagus speech
Cricoarytenoid muscles :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

recurrent abducts and laterally rotates the

muscular process laryngeal cartilage, pulling the vocal ligaments
posterior part of the arytenoid branch of the away from the midline and forward and
Posterior of the cricoid cartilage vagus so opening the rima glottidis

recurrent adduct and medially rotate the cartilage,

lateral part of muscular process laryngeal pulling the vocal ligaments towards the
the arch of the of the arytenoid branch of the midline and backwards and so closing
Lateral cricoid cartilage vagus off the rima glottidis
List of Body Muscles in Neck :
Clavicular muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action
 cervical
inferior branch of the
base of clavicle and facial nerve
Platysma mandible fascia of chest [CNVII] Tenses the skin of the neck

Acting alone, tilts head to its

Sternal head : motor : own side and rotates it so the
manubrium mastoid accessory face is turned towards the
sterni process of the nerve opposite side. Acting together,
Clavicular head temporal bone, sensory : flexes the neck, raises the
Sternocleidomastoid : medial portion superior cervical sternum and assists in forced
: of the clavicle nuchal line plexus inspiration.
Suprahyoid muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Anterior belly:
digastric fossa
(mandible) Intermediate Anterior belly : mandibular Opens the jaw when
Posterior belly: tendon (lesser nerve [CNV3] via the the masseter and the
mastoid process horn of hyoid mylohyoid nerve Posterior temporalis are
Digastric of temporal bone bone) belly : facial nerve [CNVII] relaxed.

Styloid process greater cornu of Elevate the hyoid

Stylohyoid (temporal) hyoid bone facial nerve [CNVII] during swallowing

mylohyoid nerve, from Raises oral cavity

Mylohyoid line inferior alveolar branch of floor, elevates hyoid,
Mylohyoid (mandible) Median raphe mandibular nerve [V3] depresses mandible

Geniohyoid Symphysis menti Anterior surface of C1 via hypoglossal nerve Elevates the hyoid
 and the tongue
body of hyoid upward during
bone deglutition
Infrahyoid muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

manubrium of Ansa
Sternohyoid sternum hyoid bone cervicalis depress hyoid bone

thyroid Ansa Depresses larynx, may slightly depress

Sternothyroid manubrium cartilage cervicalis hyoid bone.

Thyrohyoid thyroid cartilage hyoid bone C1 depress hyoid bone

Depresses the larynx and hyoid bone.

Upper border of Ansa Carries hyoid bone backward and to the
Omohyoid the scapula Hyoid bone cervicalis side
Neck :
Anterior muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

C2, C3,
Longus C4, C5, Flexes the neck
colli Transverse processes of C-3 - C-6 Anterior arch of atlas C6 and head

Anterior tubercles of the transverse flexion of neck at

Longus processes of the third, fourth, fifth, basilar part of the C1, C2, atlanto-occipital
capitis and sixth cervical vertebrae occipital bone C3/C4 joint
 Rectus flexion of neck at
capitis atlanto-occipital
anterior atlas occipital bone C1 joint

Rectus Under surface of the Sidebend at

capitis Upper surface of the transverse jugular process of the atlanto-occipital
lateralis process of the atlas occipital bone C1 joint
Lateral muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Scalene Cervical first and second cervical nerves (C3,

muscles vertebrae ribs C4, C5, C6, C7) elevation of ribs I&II

When the neck is fixed, elevates

the first rib to aid in breathing or
when the rib is fixed, bends the
ventral ramus of neck forward and sideways and
Anterior C3-C6 first rib C5, C6 rotates it to the opposite side

ventral rami of the

third to eighth
cervical spinal Elevate 1st rib, rotate the neck to
Medius C2-C6 first rib nerves the opposite side

ascending cervical
transverse artery, superficial
processes of C4 - cervical artery C6, Elevate 2nd rib, tilt the neck to
posterior C6 2nd rib C7, C8 the same side

Levator Posterior Superior part of cervical nerve (C3, Elevates scapula and tilts its
 tubercles of
transverse
processes of C1 - medial border C4) and dorsal glenoid cavity inferiorly by
scapulae C4 of scapula scapular nerve (C5) rotating scapula

upper surface of under surface of

Rectus the transverse the jugular
capitis process of the process of the
lateralis atlas (C1) occipital bone C1

Obliquus lateral half of

capitis lateral mass of the inferior
superior atlas nuchal line suboccipital nerve

Obliquus
capitis spinous process lateral mass of
inferior of the axis atlas suboccipital nerve
Posterior muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

the medial part of the

inferior nuchal line of extends the head at
the occipital bone a branch of the the neck, but is now
Rectus capitis The tubercle on the and the surface dorsal primary considered to be
posterior posterior arch of the between it and the division of the more of a sensory
minor atlas (C1) foramen magnum suboccipital nerve organ than a muscle

Rectus capitis Dorsal ramus of

posterior Spinous process of inferior nucheal line C1 (suboccipital
major the axis (C2) of the occipital bone nerve)
 Articular processes occipital bone
of C4-C6; transverse between the superior
Semispinalis processes of C7 and and inferior nuchal greater occipital Extension of the
capitis T1-T7 lines nerve head

Laterally: Flex the

head and neck to the
Articular processes same side
Longissimus of C4-C7; transverse posterior margin of posterior branch of Bilaterally: Extend
capitis processes of T1-T5 the mastoid process spinal nerve the vertebral column.

Ligamentum Extend, rotate, and

Splenius nuchae,spinous laterally flex the
capitis processes of C7-T6 Mastoid process C3, C4 head

Obliquus
capitis lateral half of the
superior Lateral mass of atlas inferior nuchal line suboccipital nerve

Obliquus spinous process of

capitis inferior the axis lateral mass of atlas suboccipital nerve
Torso :
Back muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

both the spines of the

most cranial thoracic posterior
on the spines of the last vertebrae and the branch of extends the
Erector spinae four thoracic vertebrae cervical vertebrae spinal nerve vertebral column
 posterior
branch of
Longissimus transverse process transverse process spinal nerve

Spinalis spinous process spinous process

spinous processes of pulls the

thoracic T6-T12, floor of forelimb
thoracolumbar fascia, intertubercular dorsally and
iliac crest and inferior groove of the thoracodorsal caudally deltoid,
Latissimus dorsi 3 or 4 ribs humerus nerve trapezius

posterior
Transversospinales transverse process spinous process branches

spinous processes of
the upper four
transverse processes of thoracic and lower
Semispinalis the sixth to the tenth two cervical
thoracis (dorsi) thoracic vertebrae vertebrae

transverse processes of cervical spinous

Semispinalis the upper five or six processes, from the
cervicis (colli) thoracic vertebrae axis to the fifth

Transversal process of
lower cervical and area between superior
Semispinalis capitis higher thoracal and inferior nuchal greater
(complexus) columna line occipital nerve Extends the head

Multifidus sacrum, erector spinae spinous process posterior Stabilizes

 vertebrae in
local movements
aponeurosis, PSIS, and branch of of vertebral
iliac crest spinal nerve column

posterior
Rotatores transverse process spinous process branch

Extension,
flexion and
posterior rami rotation of
of spinal vertebral
Interspinales spinous process spinous process nerves column.

transverse process anterior rami of Lateral flexion

Intertransversarii transverse process above spinal nerves of trunk
Splenius muscles :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

ligamentum nuchae, spinous Mastoid process of temporal C3, Extend, rotate, and
Capitis process of C7-T6 and occipital bone C4 laterally flex the head

Cervici transverse processes of C1, C5,

s spinous processes of T3-T6 C2, C3 C6
Chest muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Intercostals Ribs 1-11 Ribs 2-12 intercostal nerves

 External intercostal nerves Inhalation

Internal Rib - inferior border rib - superior border intercostal nerves hold ribs steady

Innermost intercostal nerves Elevate ribs

inner surface of the

Inner surface of one second or third rib intercostal
Subcostales rib above, near its angle intercostal nerves nerves

Costal cartilages of
last 3-4 ribs, body of
Transversus sternum, xiphoid
thoracis process ribs/costal cartilages 2-6 intercostal nerves depresses ribs

superior surfaces of the dorsal rami - C8, T1,

Transverse processes ribs immediately inferior T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, Assists in
Levatores of C7 to T12 to the preceding T7, T8, T9, T10, elevation of the
costarum vertebrae vertebrae T11 thoracic rib cage
Serratus posterior muscles :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

the inferior depress the lower

borders of the 9th intercostal ribs, aiding in
Inferior vertebrae T11 - L3 through 12th ribs nerves expiration

nuchal ligament (or ligamentum

nuchae) and the spinous the upper borders 2nd through 5th elevate the ribs
processes of the vertebrae C7 of the 2nd through intercostal which aids in
Superior through T3 5th ribs nerves inspiration
 phrenic and
lower intercostal
Diaphragm nerves respiration
Abdomen muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

inserts into the intercostal nerves T7, T8,

pubic tubercle via T9, T10, T11, subcostal compress the ribs and
the conjoint tendon, nerve (T12), iliohypogastric viscera, providing
Transversus Ribs and the also known as the nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, thoracic and pelvic
abdominis iliac crest falx inguinalis genitofemoral nerve stability

costal cartilages of segmentally by thoraco- flexion of

Rectus ribs 5-7, xiphoid abdominal nerves (T7, T8, trunk/lumbar
abdominis pubis process of sternum T9, T10, T11, T12) vertebrae

pubic
symphysis
and pubic
Pyramidalis crest linea alba subcostal nerve (T12) tensing the linea alba

inguinal genital branch of raise and lower the

Cremaster ligament genitofemoral nerve scrotum

iliac crest last rib and Alone, lateral flexion

and transverse of vertebral column;
Quadratus iliolumbar processes of lumbar anterior branches of T12, L1, Together, depression
lumborum ligament vertebrae L2, L3, L4 of thoracic rib cage
Oblique muscles :
 Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Crista iliaca, intercostal nerves T5, T6, T7,

ligamentum T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal
External Lower 8 costae inguinale nerve (T12) Rotates torso

intercostal nerves T8, T9, T10, Compresses

inguinal ligament, linea alba, xiphoid T11, subcostal nerve (T12), abdomen and
iliac crest and the process and the iliohypogastric nerve, rotates vertebral
Internal lumbodorsal fascia inferior ribs ilioinguinal nerve column
Pelvis:
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

closing in the
back part of the
sacral nerves: S4, S5 or outlet of the
Coccygeus sacrospinous ligament S3-S4 pelvis

Levator ani :

levator ani nerve (S4)

ischial spine and from inferior rectal nerve
the posterior part of the coccyx and from pudendal nerve Supports the
tendinous arch of the anococcygeal (S3, S4) coccygeal viscera in pelvic
Iliococcygeus pelvic fascia raphe plexus cavity

Pubococcygeus back of the pubis and coccyx and levator ani nerve (S4) controls urine
from the anterior part of sacrum inferior rectal nerve flow and
the obturator fascia from pudendal nerve contracts during
(S3, S4) coccygeal orgasm
 plexus

lower part of the pubic S3, S4. levator ani inhibit

Puborectalis symphysis nerve defecation
Perineum :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Sphincter ani :

S4 and twigs
from inferior keep the anal canal and
anal nerves of anus closed, aids in the
Externus pudendal nerve expulsion of the feces

keep the anal canal and

anus closed, aids in the
Internus pudendal nerve expulsion of the feces

Superficial perineal
pouch :

central
Transversus perinei anterior part of ischial point of
superficialis tuberosity perineum pudendal nerve

in males, empties the

urethra; in females,
Bulbospongiosus median raphé pudendal nerve clenches the vagina

Ischiocavernosus pudendal nerve assists the

 bulbospongiosus
muscle

Deep perineal
pouch :

its fellow of
Transversus perinei inferior rami of the the opposite
profundus ischium side pudendal nerve

junction of the inferior

rami of the pubis and perineal branch
ischium to the extent of its fellow of of the pudendal Constricts urethra,
Sphincter urethrae 1.25-2 cm., and from the the opposite nerve (S2, S3, maintain urinary
membranaceae neighboring fasciae side S4) continence
List of Body Muscles of Upper limbs :
Vertebral column :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

down the midline, from

the external occipital
protuberance, the nuchal at the shoulders, into major nerve supply
ligament, the medial part the lateral third of the is the cranial nerve
of the superior nuchal clavicle, the XI. cervical nerves
line, and the spinous acromion process C3 and C4 receive Retraction and
processes of the vertebrae and into the spine of information about elevation of
Trapezius C7-T12 the scapula pain in this muscle scapula.

latissimus spinous processes of floor of thoracodorsal nerve pulls the forelimb

dorsi thoracic T6-T12, intertubercular dorsally and
 thoracolumbar fascia, iliac
crest and inferior 3 or 4 groove of the
ribs humerus caudally

Retracts the
scapula and
rotates it to
depress the
glenoid cavity.
nuchal ligaments, spinous fixes the scapula
processes of C7-T5 medial border of the dorsal scapular nerve to the thoracic
Rhomboids vertebrae scapula (C4 and C5) wall.

Retracts the
scapula and
rotates it to
medial border of the depress the
scapula, inferior to glenoid cavity. It
the insertion of also fixes the
Rhomboid spinous processes of the rhomboid minor dorsal scapular nerve scapula to the
major T2 to T5 vertebrae muscle (C4 and C5) thoracic wall.

Retracts the
scapula and
rotates it to
medial border of the depress the
scapula, superior to glenoid cavity. It
nuchal ligaments and the insertion of also fixes the
Rhomboid spinous processes of C7- rhomboid major dorsal scapular nerve scapula to the
minor to T1 vertebrae muscle (C4 and C5) thoracic wall.
 Elevates scapula
and tilts its
posterior tubercles of superior part of cervical nerve (C3, glenoid cavity
levator transverse processes of C1 medial border of C4) and dorsal inferiorly by
scapulae - C4 vertebrae scapula scapular nerve (C5) rotating scapula
Thoracic walls :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Clavicular head: flexes

anterior surface of the humerus
the medial half of the lateral pectoral Sternocostal head:
clavicle. nerve and medial extends the humerus
Sternocostal head: pectoral nerve As a whole, adducts and
anterior surface of Clavicular head: medially rotates the
the sternum, the C5 and C6 humerus. It also draws
Pectoralis superior six costal intertubercular groove Sternocostal head: the scapula anteriorly
major cartilages of the humerus C7, C8 and T1 and inferiorly.

medial border and stabilizes the scapula by

superior surface of drawing it inferiorly and
Pectoralis 3rd to 5th ribs, near the coracoid process Medial pectoral anteriorly against the
minor their costal cartilages of the scapul nerves (C8, T1) thoracic wall

subclavian groove of nerve to

Subclavius first rib clavicle subclavius Depresses the clavicle

long thoracic
fleshy slips from the costal aspect of nerve (from roots protract and stabilize
Serratus outer surface of medial margin of the of brachial plexus scapula, assists in
anterior upper 8 or 9 ribs scapula C5, C6, C7) upward rotation
Shoulder Muscle :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

shoulder abduction,
clavicle, acromion, deltoid tuberosity of flexion, and
Deltoid spine of the scapula humerus Axillary nerve extension

posterior aspect of medial lip of the Lower subscapular

the inferior angle of intertubercular sulcus nerve (segmental Internal rotation of
Teres major the scapula of the humerus levels C5 and C6) the humerus

Rotator cuff :

superior facet of abduction of arm

supraspinous fossa greater tubercle of and stabilizes
Supraspinatus of scapula humerus suprascapular nerve humerus

Lateral rotation of
middle facet of arm & Adduction of
infraspinous fossa greater tubercle of the arm and stabilizes
Infraspinatus of the scapula humerus suprascapular nerve humerus

inferior facet of
lateral border of the greater tubercle of the laterally rotates and
Teres minor scapula humerus axillary nerve adducts the arm

upper subscapular
nerve, lower rotates medially
lesser tubercle of subscapular nerve humerus stabilizes
Subscapularis subscapular fossa humerus (C5, C6) shoulder
Arm :
Anterior compartment :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

flexes and
coracoid process of adducts at
Coracobrachialis scapula medial humerus musculocutaneous nerve shoulder joint

short head: coracoid

process of the scapula. Musculocutaneous nerve flexes elbow
long head: supraglenoid (Lateral cord: C5, C6, and supinates
Biceps brachii tubercle radial tuberosity C7) forearm

anterior surface of the coronoid process

humerus, particularly and the
the distal half of this tuberosity of the flexion at
Brachialis bone ulna musculocutaneous nerve elbow joint
Posterior compartment :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

long head:Infraglenoid
tubercle of the scapula
lateral head: posterior
humerus - above radial
grove
medial head: posterior extends forearm, caput longum
Triceps humerus-under radial olecranon process of radial adducts shoulder, medial head
brachii groove ulna nerve does not function at shoulder

Anconeus Lateral epicondyle of lateral surface of the radial partly blended in with the
the humerus olecranon process and nerve triceps, which it assists in
 extension of the forearm.
Stabilises the elbow and
the superior part of (C7, C8, abducts the ulna during
the posterior ulna and T1) pronation.
Forearm :
Anterior compartment :
Superficial :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

humeral head: medial

epicondyle of humerus
(common flexor tendon)
ulnar head: coronoid radius pronator pronation of forearm,
pronator teres process of the ulna tuberosity median nerve flexes elbow

medial epicondyle of Bases of second

Flexor carpi humerus (common flexor and third Flexion and abduction
radialis tendon) metacarpal bones median nerve at wrist

medial epicondyle of
Palmaris humerus (common flexor palmar
longus tendon) aponeurosis median nerve wrist flexor

medial epicondyle of the muscular

Flexor carpi humerus (common flexor branches of flexion and adduction
ulnaris tendon) pisiform ulnar nerve of wrist

Flexor medial epicondyle of the phalanges II-V median nerve flexor of fingers
digitorum humerus (common flexor (primarily at proximal
superficialis tendon), as well as parts of interphalangeal joints)
 the radius and ulna
Deep :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

lateral,
anterior
pronator medial, anterior surface of the surface of the median nerve (anterior weakly pronates
quadratus ulna radius interosseous nerve) the forearm

lateral belly by median

(anterior interosseous),
flexor medial belly by flex hand,
digitorum distal muscular branches of interphalangeal
profundus ulna phalanges ulnar joints

The middle 2/4 of the Volar

surface of the radius and the
adjacent interosseus membrane. The base of Anterior interosseous
flexor (Also occasionally a small the distal nerve (branch of
pollicis origin slightly on the medial phalanx of median nerve) (C8, Flexion of the
longus epicondyle of the ulna.) the thumb T1) thumb
Posterior compartment :
Superficial :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

lateral epicondyle posterior extension of

Extensor (common extensor interosseous hand and
digitorum tendon) 2nd-5th phalange nerve (C7, C8) fingers
 extensor expansion,
the anterior portion of located at the base of
the lateral epicondyle of the proximal phalanx posterior extends the little
Extensor digiti the humerus (common of the finger on the interosseous finger at all
minimi extensor tendon) dorsal side nerve (C7, C8) joints

Common extensor posterior extends and

Extensor carpi tendon (lateral interosseous adducts the
ulnaris epicondyle), ulna 5th metacarpal nerve (C7, C8) wrist

Lateral supracondylar Distal radius (Radial Flexion of

Brachioradialis ridge of the humerus styloid process) radial nerve forearm

extensor at the
wrist joint,
abducts the
Extensor carpi lateral supracondylar hand at the
radialis longus ridge 2nd metacarpal radial nerve wrist

humerus at the anterior extensor and

of lateral epicondyle posterior abductor of the
Extensor carpi (common extensor base of the 3rd interosseus hand at the
radialis brevis tendon) metacarpal nerve wrist joint
Deep :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Lateral epicondyle of the humerus, Lateral posterior

supinator crest of ulna, radial proximal interosseus nerve supinates
supinator collateral ligament, annular ligament radial shaft (C7, C8) forearm
 index finger posterior
Extensor (extensor interosseous nerve extends index
indicis ulna hood) (C7, C8) finger, wrist
Anatomical snuff box :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

ulna, radial posterior

Abductor styloid interosseous nerve
pollicis longus process first metacarpal (C7, C8) abduction, extension of thumb

thumb, posterior
Extensor proximal interosseous nerve extension of thumb at
pollicis brevis radius phalanx (C7, C8) metacarpophalangeal joint
Hand :
Lateral volar:
Thenar :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

metacarpal bone of the

opponens trapezium and transverse thumb on its radial Opposition of the
pollicis carpal ligament side median nerve thumb

median nerve,
Flexor deep branch of
pollicis trapezoid, flexor thumb, proximal ulnar nerve
brevis retinaculum phalanx (medial head) Flexes the thumb

Abductor Transverse carpal Radial base of Median nerve Abducts the thumb
pollicis ligament, the scaphoid and proximal phalanx of
 thumb and the thumb
brevis trapezium extensors

Transverse head: anterior

body of the third
metacarpal
Oblique head: bases of the
second and the third medial side of the base
metacarpals and the of the proximal deep branch of adducts the thumb at
Adductor adjacent trapezoid and phalanx of the thumb ulnar nerve the carpometacarpal
pollicis capitate bones and the ulnar sesamoid (T1) joint
Medial volar :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

flexor retinaculum superficial

Palmaris (medial), palmar branch of ulnar
brevis aponeurosis palm nerve wrinkle skin of palm

Hypothenar

base of the proximal

phalanx of the 5th
Abductor digit on the ulnar or deep branch of
digiti minimi pisiform medial side ulnar nerve Abduction of little finger

Flexor digiti deep branch of flexes little finger extensor

minimi brevis hamate bone little finger ulnar nerve digiti minimi muscle

Opponens Hook of hamate Medial border of 5th deep branch of Draws 5th metacarpal
digiti minimi and flexor metacarpal ulnar nerve (C8 anteriorly and rotates it,
 bringing little finger (5th
digit) into opposition with
retinaculum and T1) thumb
Intermediate :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

deep branch of
flexor digitorum extensor ulnar nerve, flex metacarpophalangeal joints,
lumbrical profundus expansion median nerve extend interphalangeal joints

dorsal proximal deep branch of

interossei metacarpals phalanges ulnar nerve abduct finger

palmar proximal deep branch of

interossei metacarpals phalange ulnar nerve adduction
Lower limb :
Iliac region :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

iliac fossa (iliacus), femur-lesser trochanter

sacrum (iliacus), spine (psoas major/minor), shaft flexion of hip (psoas
(T12, L1, lumbar below lesser trochanter femoral nerve, major/minor, iliacus),
vertebra, Psoas major, (iliacus), tendon of psoas Lumbar spine rotation (psoas
Iliopsoas psoas minor) major & femur (iliacus) nerves L1, L2 major/minor)

Psoas transverse processes, in the lesser trochanter of the Lumbar flexes and rotates
major bodies and discs of femur plexus via laterally thigh
T12-L5 anterior
branches of
 L1, L2, L3

Psoas Side of T11+L1 and Pectineal line and

minor IV Disc between iliopectineal eminence L1 Weak trunk flexor

femoral nerve
Iliacus iliac fossa lesser trochanter of femur (L2, L3) flexes hip
Gluteal :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Tensor
fasciae Superior gluteal Thigh - flexion, medial
latae Iliac crest iliotibial tract nerve (L4, L5) rotation trunk stabilization.

external rotation and

Gluteal surface of extension of the hip joint,
ilium, lumbar fascia, supports the extended knee
Gluteus sacrum, Gluteal tuberosity inferior gluteal through the iliotibial tract,
maximus sacrotuberous of the femur, nerve (L5, S1, S2 chief antigravity muscle in
muscle ligament iliotibial tract nerve roots) sitting

abduction of the hip

Gluteus Gluteal surface of superior gluteal preventing adduction of the
medius ilium, under gluteus Greater trochanter nerve (L4, L5, S1 hip. Medial rotation of
muscle maximus of the femur nerve roots) thigh.

Gluteus Gluteal surface of Greater trochanter superior gluteal Works in concert with
minimus ilium, under gluteus of the femur nerve (L4, L5, S1 gluteus medius: abduction
muscle medius nerve roots) of the hip preventing
adduction of the hip.
 Medial rotation of thigh.

Obturator nerve,
nerve to the
Lateral at or below the on or near the Piriformis, nerve
rotator acetabulum of the greater trochanter to quadratus
group ilium of the femur femoris lateral rotation of hip

nerve to the
Piriformis (S1
and S2 nerve laterally rotate (outward)
Piriformis Sacrum greater trochanter roots) the thigh

obturator foramen medial aspect of posterior branch

Obturator and obturatory greater trochanter of obturator adduct thigh, rotate laterally
externus membrane of femur nerve (L3, L4) thigh

Nerve to Abducts & rotates laterally

Obturator Ischiopubic ramus & medial aspect of the obturator internus thigh, and stabiliser of the
internus obturator membrane Greater trochanter (L5, S1, S2) hip during walking

Nerve to
Quadratus
Inferior Obturator internus femoris (L4, L5,
gemellus Ischial tuberosity tendon S1) Rotates laterally thigh

Nerve to
Superior Obturator internus obturator internus
gemellus spine of the ischium tendon (L5, S1, S2) Rotates laterally thigh

Quadratus ischial tuberosity intertrochanteric nerve to lateral rotation of thigh

 quadratus
femoris (L4, L5,
femoris crest -S1)
Thigh :
Anterior compartment :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

Pulling the suprapatellar

Articularis femoral bursa during extension
genus femur suprapatellar bursa nerve of the knee.

flexion, lateral rotation

medial side of the and abduction of thigh;
superior to the anterior superior upper tibia in the femoral flexion and medial
Sartorius iliac spine pes anserinus nerve rotation of leg

Patella and Tibial Knee extension; Hip

Quadriceps combined rectus femoris and tuberosity via the Femoral flexion (rectus femoris
femoris vastus muscles Patellar ligament nerve only)

anterior inferior iliac spine and

the exterior surface of the bony Patella and Tibial
Rectus ridge which forms the iliac tuberosity via the femoral knee extension,hip
femoris portion of the acetabulum Patellar ligament nerve flexion

Greater trochanter, patella and tibial

Vastus Intertrochanteric line, and Linea tuberosity via the femoral Extends and stabilizes
lateralis aspera of the femur patellar ligament nerve knee

Vastus antero/ lateral femur patella and tibial femoral extends knee
 tuberosity via the
intermedius patellar ligament nerve

patella and tibial

Vastus tuberosity via the femoral
medialis femur patellar ligament nerve extends knee
Posterior compartment/ Hamstring Muscles :
Hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh.
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

long head: medial flexes knee joint,

long head: the head of the (tibial) part of sciatic laterally rotates leg
tuberosity of the fibula which nerve, short head: at knee (when knee
ischium, short articulates with the lateral (common is flexed), extends
head: linea back of the lateral fibular) part of sciatic hip joint (long head
Biceps femoris aspera, femur tibial condyle nerve only)

flexes knee, extends

tuberosity of the sciatic (tibial, L5, S1, hip joint, medially
Semitendinosus ischium pes anserinus S2) rotates leg at knee

flexes knee, extends

Semimembranosu tuberosity of the Medial surface of hip joint, medially
s ischium tibi sciatic nerve rotates leg at knee
Medial compartment :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

adductor pubis femur, tibia obturator nerve adduction of hip

muscles of
 the hip

adduction of hip,
flexion of hip,
inferior pubic tibia (pes anterior branch of obturator medial rotation of
Gracilis ramus anserinus) nerve knee

superior pubic lesser trochanter, femoral nerve and obturator flexion &
Pectineus ramus linea aspera nerve (medial compartment) adduction of hip

the lesser
anterior surface trochanter and
Adductor of the inferior linea aspera of the anterior branch of obturator
brevis pubic ramus femur nerve adduction of hip

pubic body just adduction &

Adductor below the pubic middle third of anterior branch of obturator medial rotation of
longus crest linea aspera nerve hip

posterior branch of obturator

femur and nerve (adductor) and tibial
Adductor tuberosity of the adductor tubercle part of sciatic nerve (vertical
magnus ischium of femur head) adduction of hip
Leg :
Anterior compartment :
Muscle Origin Insertion Nerve Action

medial cuneiform Deep Fibular

Tibialis and first metatarsal (peroneal) dorsiflex and invert the
anterior body of tibia bones of the foot nerve foot
 middle portion of the dorsal side of the Extends the big toe and
Extensor fibula on the anterior base of the distal Deep Fibular assists in dorsiflexion of
hallucis surface and the phalanx of the (peroneal) the foot at the ankle. Also
longus interosseous membrane Hallux nerve is a weak invertor

Extensor Lateral Condyle of tibia Middle and Distal Deep Fibular

digitorum and superior ¾ of phalanges of (peroneal)
longus interosseous membrane lateral four digits nerve extension of toes and ankle

Deep Fibular
Fibularis distal anterior surface of dorsal surface of (peroneal)
tertius the fibula metatarsal 5 nerve dorsi flexes and everts foot
Posterior compartment :
Superficial muscles List :
Muscle Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

posterior
achilles tendon, tibial tibial plantarflexes
Triceps surae calcaneus artery nerve ankle joint

gastrocnemiu medial condyle and sural tibial plantarflexes

s lateral condyle of femur calcaneus arteries nerve ankle joint

medial border of tibia sural tibial plantarflexes

soleus fibula (soleal line) tendo calcaneus arteries nerve ankle joint

lateral supracondylar
ridge of femur above Calcaneal tendon
lateral head of (medial side, deep to sural tibial plantarflexes
plantaris gastrocnemius gastrocnemius tendon) arteries nerve ankle joint
DEEP

Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

middle facet of
lateral surface of posterior tibia
lateral femoral under tibial medially rotates
popliteus condyle condyles popliteal artery tibial nerve and flexes knee

fibular artery Tibial

flexor posterior surface base of distal (peroneal branch nerve, S1, flexes all joints of
hallucis of upper 1/3 of phalanx of of posterior tibial S2 nerve big toe,
longus fibula hallux artery roots plantarflexes ankle

distal
flexor phalanges of
digitorum lateral four posterior tibial
longus medial tibia digits artery tibial nerve flexes toes
Lateral compartment
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

fibularis first metatarsal, medial fibular superficial fibular plantarflexes ankle,

muscles fibula cuneiform artery nerve everts ankle

fibularis first metatarsal, medial fibular superficial fibular plantarflexes ankle,

longus fibula cuneiform artery nerve everts ankle

fibularis fibula fifth metatarsal fibular superficial fibular plantarflexes ankle,

 brevis artery nerve everts ankle
Foot
Dorsal
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

extensor extends
digitorum digits 2, 3,
brevis calcaneus toes deep fibular nerve and 4

base of
extensor proximal
hallucis calcaneus phalanx of big extends
brevis deep toe deep fibular nerve big toe

lateral plantar nerve(fourth

interosseous space: superficial branch
dorsal others: deep branch), first and second
interossei of proximal interossei: lateral branch of deep abducts
foot metatarsals phalanges fibular nerve toes
Plantar
First layer
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

medial process of
calcaneus, flexor medial side of base medial
abductor retinaculum, plantar of proximal phalanx plantar abducts
hallucis aponeurosis of first digit nerve hallux
 medial process of
flexor calcaneus, plantar medial flexes
digitorum aponeurosis, intermuscular middle phalanges of plantar lateral four
brevis septa digits 2-5 nerve toes

lateral
lateral plantar flexes and
abductor phalanges of fifth plantar nerve (S1, abducts fifth
digiti minimi plantar aponeurosis toe artery S2) toe
Second layer
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

flexes distal
interphalangeal
quadratus tendons of flexor lateral plantar joints (assists flexor
plantae calcaneus digitorum longus nerve (S1, S2) digitorum longus)

medial surface lateral plantar lateral plantar

of extensor artery, plantar nerve (lateral three
tendons of expansion of arch, four lumbricals) and maintain extension
flexor proximal plantar medial plantar of digits at
digitorum phalanges of metatarsal nerve (first interphalangeal
lumbricals longus lateral four toes arteries lumbrical) joints
Third layer
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

flexor plantar surface of medial head: medial sesamoid medial plantar flexes big
 bone of metatarsophalangeal
joint, proximal phalanx of
great toe
cuneiforms, plantar lateral head: lateral sesamoid
calcaneocuboid bone of metatarsophalangeal
hallucis ligament, long plantar joint, proximal phalanx of
brevis liga great toe nerve toe

oblique head: proximal lateral side of base of

adductor ends of middle 3 proximal phalanx of big toe, lateral plantar adducts
hallucis metatarsals sesamoid nerve big toe

flexor lateral plantar extends

digiti nerve and
minimi (superficial adducts
brevis fifth metatarsal bone phalanx of fifth toe branch) fifth toe
Fourth layer
Muscle
Name Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action

proximal phalanges III-V -

muscles cross the
metatarsophalangeal joint of
toes III-V so the insertions plantar arch,
tendons of correspond with the origin and dorsal lateral adducts toes 3 -
plantar plantar there is no crossing between metatarsal plantar 5, strengthens
interossei Interossei toes artery nerve transverse arch

dorsal metatarsals proximal phalanges lateral abducts toes

interossei plantar
nerve