Muscles that Move the Forearm and Hand

Triceps Brachii(Action at elbow)

Origin: lateral: superior, lateral margin of humerus long: infraglenoid tubercle of scapula medial: posterior surface of humerus, inferior to radial groove Insertion: Olecranon of ulna (all three heads) Action: lateral: Extension at elbow long: extension at elbow & adduction at shoulder medial: extension at elbow

Biceps Brachii (Action at elbow)

Origin: short head: coracoid process of scapula long head: supraglenoid tubercle of fossa Insertion: Radial tuberosity Action: flexion at elbow & shoulder, supination

Pronator Quadratus (Action at elbow)

Origin: Anterior and medial surfaces of distal ulna Insertion: Anteriolateral surface of distal portion of radius Action: Pronates forearm and hand by medial rotation of radius at radioulnar joints

Brachialis (Action at elbow)

Origin: Distal half of the anterior surface of humerus Insertion: Ulnar tuberosity and coronoid process Action: Flexion at elbow

Extensor carpi radialis brevis (action at wrist)

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of humerus Insertion: Base of third metacarpal bone Action: Extension & abduction at wrist

Supinator (Action at elbow)

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of humerus and ridge near radial notch of ulna Insertion: Anterolateral surface of radius distal to the radial tuberosity Action: Supinates forearm and hand by lateral rotation of radius at radioulnar joint

Extensor carpi ulnaris (action at wrist)

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of humerus; adjacent dorsal surface of ulna Insertion: Base of fifth metacarpal bone Action: Extension at wrist and adduction at wrist

Extensor carpi radialis longus (action at wrist)

Origin: Lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus Insertion: Base of second metacarpal bone Action: Extension & abduction at wrist

Palmaris Longus (action at wrist)

Origin: Medial epicondyle of humerus Insertion: Palamar aponeurosis & flexor retinaculum Action: Flexion at wrist

Flexor carpi radialis (action at wrist)

Origin: Medial epicondyle of humerus Insertion: Bases of second and third metacarpal bones Action: Flexion & abduction at wrist

Pronator Teres (Action at elbow)

Origin: Medial epicondyle of humerus and coronoid process of ulna Insertion: Middle of lateral surface of radius Action: Pronates forearm and hand by medial rotation of radius at radioulnar joints; flexion at elbow

Flexor carpi ulnaris (action at wrist)

Origin: Medial epicondyle of humerus; adjacent medial surface of olecranon and anteromedial portion of ulna Insertion: Pisiform, hamate, and base of fifth metacarpal bone Action: Flexion & adduction at wrist

Anconeus (Action at elbow)

Origin: Posterior surface of lateral epicondyle of humerus Insertion: Lateral margin of olecranon and ulnar shaft Action: Extension at elbow

Brachioradialis (Action at elbow)

Origin: Ridge superior to the lateral epicondyle of humerus Insertion: Lateral aspect of styloid process of radius Action: Flexion at elbow