Human Anatomy- 15 Major Muscles

Gluteus Maximus

located in the buttocks region and is the primary hip extension muscle

Pectoralis major

located in the chest and is the primary mover in the "pushup" exercise

Latissimus Dorsi

located in the lower back and attaches to the shoulder; this is your primary mover is the "pullup" exercise

Gastrocnemius

located of the back of the lower leg and helps point the toes

Deltoid

located on outside of the shoulder and allows you to raise your arms to the side; also known as abduction

Soleus

located on the back of the lower leg and assists in pointing the toes

Triceps brachii

located on the back of the upper arm and helps extend the upper arm

Rectus Abdominus

located on the front of the abdomen and is the primary mover in flexion of the trunk

Tibialis Anterior

located on the front of the lower leg and helps raise the toes

Biceps brachii

located on the front of the upper arm and bends the elbow joint

External Oblique

located on the side of the abdomen and is the primary mover in side flexion

Illiopsoas

located on the side of the lumbar region of the vertebral column and brim of the lesser pelvis. It joins the iliacus muscle to form the Illiopsoas.

Trapezius

located on the upper back, shoulder, and neck that allows retraction of the shoulder and extension of the neck

Quadriceps

a group of muscles in the anterior thigh that allows knee extension

Hamstrings

a group of muscles in the posterior thigh that allow flexion of the knee