List of muscles in the human body: origin, insertion, nerve, action
The human body has about 400 skeletal muscles, or 600 or more by finer counts. They attach to bones and move the joints. Each muscle runs from its origin, the attachment that moves less, to its insertion, the attachment that moves; when it contracts, it pulls the insertion towards the origin.
This page lists the main muscles of the shoulder, upper limb, trunk, hip, lower limb, and head and neck in tables. Click a muscle to open its article, and from there check its position on a 3D model in the teamLabBody app.
Key facts
- Number of skeletal muscles
- About 400 (600+ counting left and right separately or by finer divisions)
- Share of body weight
- About 40% (adults)
- Three types of muscle
- Skeletal (voluntary, striated), cardiac, smooth (organs and vessels)
- Largest muscle
- Gluteus maximus
- Longest muscle
- Sartorius
- Smallest muscle
- Stapedius (middle ear)
- Origin and insertion
- Origin: the attachment nearer the trunk that moves less; insertion: the more distal attachment that moves
By region
Click a name to open the detailed article.
Shoulder and shoulder girdle
Muscles that move the shoulder joint, and muscles that hold the scapula against the thorax or move it. The rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) keeps the humeral head centred in the glenoid cavity.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deltoid | M. deltoideus | Lateral third of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula | Deltoid tuberosity of humerus | Axillary nerve (C5–6) | Abducts the shoulder; anterior part flexes and medially rotates, posterior part extends and laterally rotates |
| Trapezius | M. trapezius | Occipital bone (superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance), nuchal ligament, spinous processes C7–T12 | Lateral third of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula | Accessory nerve (XI); C3–4 | Elevates, retracts and depresses the scapula and rotates it upward |
| Latissimus dorsi | M. latissimus dorsi | Spinous processes T7–L5, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, lower 3–4 ribs | Floor of the intertubercular sulcus of humerus | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6–8) | Extends, adducts and medially rotates the shoulder |
| Supraspinatus | M. supraspinatus | Supraspinous fossa of scapula | Greater tubercle of humerus (superior facet) | Suprascapular nerve (C5–6) | Initiates abduction; holds the humeral head in the glenoid cavity (rotator cuff) |
| Infraspinatus | M. infraspinatus | Infraspinous fossa of scapula | Greater tubercle of humerus (middle facet) | Suprascapular nerve (C5–6) | Laterally rotates the shoulder (rotator cuff) |
| Teres minor | M. teres minor | Lateral border of scapula | Greater tubercle of humerus (inferior facet) | Axillary nerve (C5–6) | Laterally rotates and weakly adducts the shoulder (rotator cuff) |
| Subscapularis | M. subscapularis | Subscapular fossa | Lesser tubercle of humerus | Upper and lower subscapular nerves (C5–7) | Medially rotates the shoulder (rotator cuff) |
| Teres major | M. teres major | Inferior angle of scapula (posterior surface) | Medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus (crest of lesser tubercle) | Lower subscapular nerve (C5–7) | Extends, adducts and medially rotates the shoulder |
| Levator scapulae | M. levator scapulae | Transverse processes C1–4 | Superior angle and medial border of scapula above the spine | Dorsal scapular nerve (C5); C3–4 | Elevates the scapula and rotates it downward |
| Rhomboid major and minor | M. rhomboideus major / minor | Spinous processes C7–T5 (minor C7–T1, major T2–5) | Medial border of scapula | Dorsal scapular nerve (C4–5) | Retracts and elevates the scapula and rotates it downward |
| Serratus anterior | M. serratus anterior | External surfaces of ribs 1–9 | Medial border of scapula (anterior surface) | Long thoracic nerve (C5–7) | Protracts the scapula and rotates it upward; holds it against the thoracic wall |
| Coracobrachialis | M. coracobrachialis | Coracoid process of scapula | Middle of medial surface of humerus | Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–7) | Flexes and adducts the shoulder |
| Pectoralis major | M. pectoralis major | Medial half of clavicle, sternum, costal cartilages 1–6 | Crest of greater tubercle (lateral lip of intertubercular sulcus) | Medial and lateral pectoral nerves (C5–T1) | Adducts, medially rotates and flexes the shoulder |
| Pectoralis minor | M. pectoralis minor | Ribs 3–5 (near the costal cartilages) | Coracoid process of scapula | Medial pectoral nerve (C8–T1) | Depresses the scapula and tilts it forward |
Upper limb (arm, forearm, hand)
Muscles that move the elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers. The flexors on the front of the forearm are supplied mainly by the median nerve (some by the ulnar nerve); the extensors on the back by the radial nerve.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biceps brachii | M. biceps brachii | Long head: supraglenoid tubercle; short head: coracoid process | Radial tuberosity (and bicipital aponeurosis) | Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–6) | Flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm |
| Brachialis | M. brachialis | Distal half of anterior humerus | Coronoid process and tuberosity of ulna | Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–6); small part radial nerve | Flexes the elbow |
| Triceps brachii | M. triceps brachii | Long head: infraglenoid tubercle; lateral and medial heads: posterior humerus | Olecranon of ulna | Radial nerve (C6–8) | Extends the elbow (long head also extends the shoulder) |
| Brachioradialis | M. brachioradialis | Lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus | Distal radius, just above the styloid process | Radial nerve (C5–6) | Flexes the elbow, most strongly with the forearm in mid-pronation |
| Pronator teres | M. pronator teres | Medial epicondyle of humerus, coronoid process of ulna | Middle of lateral surface of radius | Median nerve (C6–7) | Pronates the forearm; assists elbow flexion |
| Pronator quadratus | M. pronator quadratus | Distal quarter of anterior ulna | Distal quarter of anterior radius | Anterior interosseous nerve (median, C8–T1) | Pronates the forearm |
| Flexor digitorum superficialis | M. flexor digitorum superficialis | Medial epicondyle of humerus, coronoid process of ulna, anterior radius | Sides of the middle phalanges of digits 2–5 | Median nerve (C7–T1) | Flexes the PIP and MCP joints of digits 2–5 |
| Flexor digitorum profundus | M. flexor digitorum profundus | Anterior and medial ulna, interosseous membrane | Bases of distal phalanges of digits 2–5 | Anterior interosseous nerve (index, middle); ulnar nerve (ring, little) (C8–T1) | Flexes the DIP joints (and assists PIP and MCP flexion) |
| Extensor digitorum | M. extensor digitorum | Lateral epicondyle of humerus | Extensor expansions of digits 2–5 | Posterior interosseous nerve (radial, C7–8) | Extends the fingers and the wrist |
| Extensor indicis | M. extensor indicis | Posterior ulna, interosseous membrane | Extensor expansion of the index finger | Posterior interosseous nerve (C7–8) | Extends the index finger |
| Abductor pollicis brevis | M. abductor pollicis brevis | Flexor retinaculum, tubercles of scaphoid and trapezium | Lateral base of proximal phalanx of thumb | Recurrent branch of median nerve (C8–T1) | Abducts the thumb (thenar muscle) |
Trunk (chest, abdomen, back)
Muscles of breathing, of the abdominal wall and of the back, plus the iliopsoas and the pelvic floor. The deep multifidus and transversus abdominis steady the spine segment by segment.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External intercostals | Mm. intercostales externi | Inferior border of the rib above | Superior border of the rib below | Intercostal nerves (T1–11) | Raise the ribs during inspiration |
| Diaphragm | Diaphragma | Xiphoid process, costal cartilages 7–12, lumbar vertebrae L1–3 (crura) and arcuate ligaments | Central tendon | Phrenic nerve (C3–5) | Main muscle of inspiration; separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities |
| Rectus abdominis | M. rectus abdominis | Pubic symphysis, pubic crest | Xiphoid process, costal cartilages 5–7 | Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–11), subcostal nerve (T12) | Flexes the trunk; raises intra-abdominal pressure |
| External oblique | M. obliquus externus abdominis | External surfaces of ribs 5–12 | Linea alba, pubic tubercle, anterior iliac crest (and inguinal ligament) | Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–11), subcostal nerve (T12) | Flexes and laterally flexes the trunk; rotates it to the opposite side |
| Internal oblique | M. obliquus internus abdominis | Thoracolumbar fascia, anterior iliac crest, lateral part of inguinal ligament | Inferior borders of ribs 10–12, linea alba, pubic crest (via the conjoint tendon) | Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–11), subcostal (T12), L1 | Flexes and laterally flexes the trunk; rotates it to the same side |
| Transversus abdominis | M. transversus abdominis | Internal surfaces of costal cartilages 7–12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, inguinal ligament | Linea alba (via the rectus sheath), pubic crest | Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–11), subcostal (T12), L1 | Compresses the abdomen and raises intra-abdominal pressure; tightens the abdominal wall |
| Erector spinae | M. erector spinae | Posterior sacrum, iliac crest, lumbar spinous processes (common tendon) | Ribs, transverse and spinous processes, skull (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) | Posterior rami of spinal nerves | Extends and laterally flexes the vertebral column |
| Multifidus | Mm. multifidi | Sacrum, ilium, transverse processes of the vertebrae (mammillary processes in the lumbar region) | Spinous processes 2–4 vertebrae higher | Posterior rami of spinal nerves | Stabilises the vertebrae segment by segment; extends and rotates the spine |
| Quadratus lumborum | M. quadratus lumborum | Iliac crest, iliolumbar ligament | 12th rib, transverse processes L1–4 | Anterior rami T12–L3 | Laterally flexes the trunk; fixes the 12th rib during inspiration |
| Psoas major | M. psoas major | Bodies and intervertebral discs T12–L5, transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae | Lesser trochanter of femur | Lumbar plexus, anterior rami L1–3 | Flexes the hip; acting from below, laterally flexes the lumbar spine |
| Iliacus | M. iliacus | Iliac fossa | Lesser trochanter of femur (joining the psoas tendon) | Femoral nerve (L2–3) | Flexes the hip |
| Iliopsoas | M. iliopsoas | Psoas major + iliacus | Lesser trochanter of femur | Lumbar plexus and femoral nerve (L1–3) | Prime mover of hip flexion |
| Levator ani | M. levator ani | Body of pubis, tendinous arch of levator ani, ischial spine | Coccyx, anococcygeal ligament, perineal body | Nerve to levator ani (anterior rami S3–4), pudendal nerve | Forms most of the pelvic floor and supports the pelvic organs; helps close the anal canal and urethra |
Hip and buttock
Muscles that move the hip joint and hold the pelvis level when standing and walking. The gluteus medius and minimus keep the pelvis from dropping towards the side of the lifted leg.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluteus maximus | M. gluteus maximus | Posterior ilium, sacrum, coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament | Iliotibial tract, gluteal tuberosity of femur | Inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2) | Extends and laterally rotates the hip; the largest muscle in the body |
| Gluteus medius | M. gluteus medius | Outer surface of ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines | Lateral surface of greater trochanter | Superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1) | Abducts the hip; keeps the pelvis level in single-leg stance |
| Gluteus minimus | M. gluteus minimus | Outer surface of ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines | Anterior surface of greater trochanter | Superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1) | Abducts and medially rotates the hip |
| Piriformis | M. piriformis | Anterior surface of sacrum | Superior border of greater trochanter | Nerve to piriformis (S1–2) | Laterally rotates the hip; the sciatic nerve usually leaves the pelvis just below it |
| Tensor fasciae latae | M. tensor fasciae latae | Anterior superior iliac spine (and anterior iliac crest) | Iliotibial tract | Superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1) | Flexes, abducts and medially rotates the hip |
| Adductor magnus | M. adductor magnus | Inferior pubic ramus, ischial ramus, ischial tuberosity | Linea aspera, adductor tubercle of femur | Obturator nerve (L2–4); tibial part of sciatic nerve (L4) | Adducts and extends the hip |
| Adductor longus | M. adductor longus | Body of pubis (below the pubic crest) | Middle third of linea aspera | Obturator nerve (L2–4) | Adducts the hip |
Lower limb (thigh, leg, foot)
Muscles that move the knee, ankle and toes. The front of the thigh is supplied by the femoral nerve, the back of the thigh by the sciatic nerve, the front of the leg by the deep fibular nerve, its lateral side by the superficial fibular nerve and its back by the tibial nerve.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamstrings | Mm. ischiocrurales (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) | Ischial tuberosity (short head of biceps femoris: linea aspera) | Biceps femoris: head of fibula; semitendinosus: medial surface of upper tibia (pes anserinus); semimembranosus: posterior medial tibial condyle | Tibial part of sciatic nerve (L5–S2); short head: common fibular part | Flex the knee and extend the hip; group name for three muscles |
| Quadriceps femoris | M. quadriceps femoris | Rectus femoris: anterior inferior iliac spine; vasti: femur | Patella → patellar ligament → tibial tuberosity | Femoral nerve (L2–4) | Extends the knee (rectus femoris also flexes the hip) |
| Vastus lateralis | M. vastus lateralis | Greater trochanter, lateral lip of linea aspera | Patella (via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity) | Femoral nerve (L2–4) | Extends the knee |
| Vastus medialis | M. vastus medialis | Intertrochanteric line, medial lip of linea aspera | Patella (via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity) | Femoral nerve (L2–4) | Extends the knee; its lowest fibres steady the patella at the end of extension |
| Sartorius | M. sartorius | Anterior superior iliac spine | Medial surface of upper tibia (pes anserinus) | Femoral nerve (L2–3) | Flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the hip; flexes the knee. The longest muscle in the body |
| Hamstrings | Mm. ischiocrurales (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) | Ischial tuberosity (short head of biceps femoris: linea aspera) | Head of fibula (biceps femoris); medial tibia (semitendinosus, semimembranosus) | Sciatic nerve (L5–S2) | Flex the knee and extend the hip |
| Semitendinosus | M. semitendinosus | Ischial tuberosity | Medial surface of upper tibia (pes anserinus) | Tibial part of sciatic nerve (L5–S2) | Flexes the knee and medially rotates the leg; extends the hip |
| Gastrocnemius | M. gastrocnemius | Medial head: femur just above the medial condyle; lateral head: lateral condyle of femur | Calcaneal tuberosity (via the calcaneal tendon) | Tibial nerve (S1–2) | Plantarflexes the ankle; flexes the knee |
| Soleus | M. soleus | Head and posterior surface of fibula, soleal line of tibia | Calcaneal tuberosity (via the calcaneal tendon) | Tibial nerve (S1–2) | Plantarflexes the ankle; works continuously to hold upright standing posture |
| Triceps surae | M. triceps surae | Gastrocnemius + soleus | Calcaneal tuberosity (via the calcaneal tendon) | Tibial nerve (S1–2) | Plantarflexes the ankle |
| Tibialis anterior | M. tibialis anterior | Lateral condyle and lateral surface of tibia, interosseous membrane | Medial cuneiform, base of 1st metatarsal | Deep fibular nerve (L4–5) | Dorsiflexes the ankle and inverts the foot |
| Tibialis posterior | M. tibialis posterior | Posterior surfaces of tibia and fibula, interosseous membrane | Navicular tuberosity, cuneiforms, cuboid, bases of metatarsals 2–4 | Tibial nerve (L4–5) | Plantarflexes the ankle and inverts the foot; supports the medial longitudinal arch |
| Extensor digitorum longus | M. extensor digitorum longus | Lateral condyle of tibia, anterior surface of fibula, interosseous membrane | Extensor expansions of toes 2–5 (middle and distal phalanges) | Deep fibular nerve (L5–S1) | Extends toes 2–5; dorsiflexes the ankle |
| Fibularis (peroneus) longus | M. fibularis longus (M. peroneus longus) | Head and upper lateral surface of fibula | Medial cuneiform, base of 1st metatarsal | Superficial fibular nerve (L5–S1) | Everts the foot; assists plantarflexion of the ankle |
| Popliteus | M. popliteus | Lateral surface of lateral femoral condyle (and lateral meniscus) | Posterior surface of upper tibia, above the soleal line | Tibial nerve (L4–S1) | Unlocks the extended knee at the start of flexion by rotating the tibia medially (or the femur laterally) |
Head and neck (facial, masticatory and neck muscles)
The muscles of facial expression are supplied by the facial nerve (VII), the muscles of mastication by the mandibular nerve (V3), and the extraocular muscles by the oculomotor, trochlear and abducens nerves. The neck holds muscles that move the head and muscles that move the hyoid and larynx.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sternocleidomastoid | M. sternocleidomastoideus | Manubrium of sternum, medial third of clavicle | Mastoid process of temporal bone, superior nuchal line | Accessory nerve (XI); C2–3 | One side: tilts the head to the same side and turns the face to the opposite side; both sides: flex the neck |
| Scalenes (anterior, middle, posterior) | Mm. scaleni (anterior, medius, posterior) | Transverse processes C2–7 | 1st rib (anterior, middle); 2nd rib (posterior) | Anterior rami of cervical nerves (C3–8) | Laterally flex the neck; raise the upper ribs in inspiration |
| Masseter | M. masseter | Zygomatic arch | Lateral surface of ramus and angle of mandible (masseteric tuberosity) | Mandibular nerve (V3) | Elevates the mandible to close the jaw (chewing) |
| Temporalis | M. temporalis | Temporal fossa (and temporal fascia) | Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible | Mandibular nerve (V3) | Elevates and retracts the mandible |
| Lateral / medial pterygoid | M. pterygoideus lateralis / medialis | Lateral: greater wing of sphenoid, lateral pterygoid plate / Medial: medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate, palatine bone, maxillary tuberosity | Neck of mandible, articular disc of the TMJ / Medial surface of ramus and angle (pterygoid tuberosity) | Mandibular nerve (V3) | Lateral: opens and protrudes the jaw, side-to-side movement / Medial: closes and protrudes the jaw, side-to-side movement |
| Digastric | M. digastricus | Posterior belly: mastoid notch of temporal bone; anterior belly: digastric fossa of mandible | Hyoid bone (via the intermediate tendon) | Posterior belly: facial nerve (VII); anterior belly: nerve to mylohyoid (V3) | Elevates the hyoid; depresses the mandible to open the mouth |
| Mylohyoid | M. mylohyoideus | Mylohyoid line of mandible | Body of hyoid, median raphe | Nerve to mylohyoid (V3) | Raises the floor of the mouth and the hyoid in swallowing |
| Infrahyoid muscles | Mm. infrahyoidei | Manubrium of sternum, superior border of scapula, thyroid cartilage | Hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage | Ansa cervicalis (C1–3); thyrohyoid: C1 via the hypoglossal nerve | Depress the hyoid and larynx (sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid) |
| Orbicularis oculi | M. orbicularis oculi | Medial palpebral ligament, frontal bone, frontal process of maxilla (medial orbital margin) | Skin of the eyelids, lateral palpebral raphe | Facial nerve (VII) | Closes the eyelids |
| Orbicularis oris | M. orbicularis oris | Fibres from the surrounding facial muscles (and maxilla and mandible near the midline) | Skin and mucosa of the lips | Facial nerve (VII) | Closes and purses the lips |
| Buccinator | M. buccinator | Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible (molar region), pterygomandibular raphe | Angle of the mouth (blending with orbicularis oris) | Facial nerve (VII), buccal branches | Presses the cheek against the teeth; used in blowing |
| Zygomaticus major / minor | M. zygomaticus major / minor | Zygomatic bone | Angle of the mouth / upper lip | Facial nerve (VII) | Draws the angle of the mouth up and out (smiling) / raises the upper lip |
| Occipitofrontalis | M. occipitofrontalis | Occipital belly: superior nuchal line; frontal belly: epicranial aponeurosis | Epicranial aponeurosis / skin of the eyebrows and forehead | Facial nerve (VII) | Raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead |
| Platysma | Platysma | Skin and fascia of the upper chest (over pectoralis major and deltoid) | Lower border of mandible, skin of the lower face and angle of the mouth | Facial nerve (VII), cervical branch | Tenses the skin of the neck; draws down the angle of the mouth |
| Splenius capitis | M. splenius capitis | Nuchal ligament, spinous processes C7–T3 | Mastoid process, lateral part of superior nuchal line | Posterior rami of cervical nerves (C2–3) | Extends the head and turns it to the same side |
| Semispinalis capitis | M. semispinalis capitis | Transverse and articular processes C4–T6 | Occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines | Posterior rami of spinal nerves | Extends the head |
| Suboccipital muscles | Mm. suboccipitales | Atlas and axis | Occipital bone, transverse process of atlas | Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1) | Fine extension and rotation of the head (rectus capitis posterior major and minor, obliquus capitis superior and inferior) |
| Longus capitis / longus colli | M. longus capitis / M. longus colli | Transverse processes and bodies of cervical (and upper thoracic) vertebrae | Basilar part of occipital bone / atlas and cervical vertebral bodies | Anterior rami of cervical nerves (C1–6) | Flex the head and neck |
| Extraocular muscles | Mm. externi bulbi oculi | Common tendinous ring (except the superior and inferior obliques) | Sclera of the eyeball | Oculomotor (III); trochlear (IV: superior oblique); abducens (VI: lateral rectus) | Move the eyeball (superior, inferior, medial and lateral recti; superior and inferior obliques) |
Tendons, aponeuroses and region names
Not muscles themselves: the tendons and aponeuroses that carry muscle force, and everyday names for body regions. The origin and insertion columns give each structure’s attachments, or a dash where they do not apply; for regions, the last column lists the muscles they contain.
| Muscle | Latin | Origin | Insertion | Nerve | Main action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcaneal (Achilles) tendon | Tendo calcaneus | Gastrocnemius and soleus | Posterior surface of calcaneal tuberosity | — (its muscles: tibial nerve, S1–2) | Carries the plantarflexing pull of the triceps surae to the calcaneus; the thickest and strongest tendon in the body |
| Plantar aponeurosis (plantar fascia) | Aponeurosis plantaris | Medial process of calcaneal tuberosity | Proximal phalanges and fibrous digital sheaths of toes 1–5 | — (medial and lateral plantar nerves run nearby) | Supports the medial longitudinal arch like the string of a bow; it is the thick central part of the plantar fascia |
| Palmar aponeurosis | Aponeurosis palmaris | Palmaris longus tendon, flexor retinaculum | Fibrous digital sheaths and skin of digits 2–5 | — | Anchors the skin of the palm so it does not slide when gripping; covers the tendons, vessels and nerves beneath |
| Extensor expansion (dorsal digital expansion) | Aponeurosis dorsalis digiti | Extensor digitorum tendon; lumbrical and interosseous tendons | Central slip: base of middle phalanx; lateral bands: base of distal phalanx | Through its muscles (radial, median and ulnar nerves) | Spreads the extending force over the back of the finger to the middle and distal phalanges |
| Linea alba | Linea alba | Xiphoid process | Pubic symphysis | — | Midline band where the aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis meet, between the two recti |
| Pterygomandibular raphe | Raphe pterygomandibularis | Pterygoid hamulus of sphenoid | Posterior end of mylohyoid line of mandible | — | Tendinous band shared by the buccinator and the superior pharyngeal constrictor; with the mouth wide open it shows as a vertical fold at the back of the cheek |
| Trochlea (of the superior oblique) | Trochlea musculi obliqui superioris | Trochlear fossa of frontal bone (upper medial orbital margin) | — (a fibrocartilage loop through which the superior oblique tendon passes) | Superior oblique: trochlear nerve (IV) | A pulley that redirects the superior oblique tendon; beyond it the muscle rotates the eye inward (intorsion), depresses it and abducts it. The trochlear nerve is named after it |
| Upper arm (brachium) | Brachium | — | — | Musculocutaneous nerve (anterior), radial nerve (posterior) | Region from shoulder to elbow. Anterior compartment: biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, brachialis; posterior compartment: triceps brachii. Together they flex and extend the elbow |
| Thigh | Femur (regio femoris) | — | — | Femoral nerve (anterior), sciatic nerve (posterior), obturator nerve (medial) | Region from hip to knee. Anterior: quadriceps femoris, sartorius; posterior: hamstrings; medial: adductors. Fascial septa separate the three groups |
| Calf | Sura | — | — | Tibial nerve (S1–2) | Back of the leg. Its bulge is the triceps surae: the gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) over the deeper soleus. Their contractions squeeze the deep veins and help return blood to the heart (calf muscle pump) |
| Ball of the foot (under the big toe) | — | — | — | Medial and lateral plantar nerves | The pad under the head of the 1st metatarsal, formed with abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis (adductor hallucis lies deeper). The last point to bear weight as the foot pushes off in walking |
All articles in this system
Shoulder and shoulder girdle
- Deltoid: position, three parts, axillary nerve and the humerus
- Infraspinatus: location, attachments and lateral rotation
- Latissimus dorsi: location, action and English name
- Levator scapulae: origin, insertion, action and nerve
- Rhomboid minor: origin, insertion, action and the rhomboid major
- Supraspinatus: location, rotator cuff role and suprascapular nerve
- Teres major: position, actions and nerve supply in 3D
- Teres minor: position, axillary nerve, quadrangular space and English name
- Trapezius muscle: upper, middle and lower fibres, origin, insertion and action
- What is brachiocephalic muscle
Upper limb (arm, forearm, hand)
- Biceps brachii: where it is located, origin and insertion, and its link to the scapula
- Brachioradialis: location, function, radial nerve and how to remember it
- Central slip of the interosseous tendon: position and role
- Extensor digitorum: position, how to read the name, English name and the spread of its tendons
- Extensor indicis: origin, insertion, action and nerve
- Flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus: where they are and what they do, the two layers that flex the fingers in 3D
- Flexor retinaculum of the hand: roof of the carpal tunnel
- Pronator quadratus: location, action, nerve supply and the pronator teres
- Triceps brachii: where it is, its three heads and what it does
- What are the abductors of the thumb
- What is levator ulnar superior labial muscle? Explain how to study human anatomy locations, locations, English, etc. with human anatomy diagrams
Trunk (chest, abdomen, back)
- Abdominal muscles: the four layers and their nerve supply
- Back muscles: superficial and deep layers, and their nerves
- Bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus: role in the perineum
- Erector spinae: iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis
- External anal sphincter: position, three parts and nerve supply
- External intercostal muscles: location, fibers and breathing
- External oblique: origin, insertion, trunk rotation and English name
- Iliacus: location, Japanese reading, English name and the iliopsoas
- Iliocostalis thoracis: location, attachments and function
- Levator ani: three parts, position, pelvic diaphragm and pelvic floor
- Multifidus: location, how to remember it and English/Latin names
- Multifidus: origin, insertion and function
- Pectoralis major muscle: origin, insertion and function of its three parts
- Psoas major: position, how to read the name, English name and relation to the lumbar spine
- Puborectalis muscle: position, structure, function and English name
- Serratus posterior superior: origin, insertion and role in inspiration
- Smooth muscle: where it is, its cells and its control by the autonomic nerves
- Striated muscle: where it is, its structure and its nerves
- Voluntary muscles: where they are, how striated muscle is built and the motor nerves that control them
- What is the iliopsoas? Position, English name and role in walking of the psoas major and iliacus
Hip and buttock
Lower limb (thigh, leg, foot)
- Extensor digitorum longus: location, function and English name
- Gastrocnemius: two heads, Achilles tendon and tibial nerve
- Popliteus muscle: the small muscle that unlocks the knee
- Sartorius: location, how to remember it, English and Latin names
- Semitendinosus: location, action and nerve supply
- Tibialis anterior: location, function and English and Latin names
- Tibialis posterior: position, function and nerve of the deep leg muscle that supports the arch
- Triceps surae: gastrocnemius, soleus and the tibial nerve in 3D
- Vastus lateralis: origin, insertion, knee extension and its English name
- Vastus Medialis: Location, Function and How to Study It
- What are the hamstrings? Where the three muscles are, their origins, insertions and English names in 3D
- What is quadriceps femoris muscle
Head and neck (facial, masticatory and neck muscles)
- Anterior auricular muscle: position, action and facial nerve supply
- Aryepiglottic muscle: position, action and nerve supply
- Buccinator and corrugator supercilii: location, function and names
- Cervical intertransversarii: anterior and posterior parts and action
- Cricothyroid muscle: straight and oblique parts, pitch and nerve
- Deep and superficial masseter: origin, insertion and fiber direction
- Depressor and levator anguli oris: position, attachments and nerves
- Depressor septi nasi and nasalis: three muscles that move the nose
- Depressor supercilii: position, action and facial nerve
- Digastric muscle: two bellies, two nerves and the hyoid
- Geniohyoid muscle: location, function and nerve supply
- Iliocostalis cervicis: position and action of the neck erector spinae
- Lacrimal Part of the Orbicularis Oculi: Location and Function
- Lateral and medial pterygoid: origin, insertion and how they open and close the mouth
- Lateral and medial rectus: position, action and nerves
- Lateral and posterior cricoarytenoid: closing and opening the glottis
- Levator labii superioris
- Levator palpebrae superioris: origin, insertion and nerve
- Levator vs Tensor Veli Palatini: Soft Palate Muscles and Their Nerves
- Longissimus capitis: origin, insertion and action
- Longissimus cervicis: origin, insertion, actions and position in 3D
- Longus capitis: position, action and nerve supply in 3D
- Longus capitis: prevertebral muscle from cervical spine to occiput
- Longus colli: three parts, action and nerve supply in 3D
- Mentalis and genioglossus muscles: origin, insertion, action and nerve supply
- Mylohyoid muscle: origin, insertion, action and nerve
- Oblique arytenoid muscle: X-shaped course, action and nerve
- Obliquus capitis inferior and superior: position and function
- Obliquus Capitis Inferior: Origin, Rotation and Suboccipital Triangle
- Occipitofrontalis and frontalis: origin, insertion and galea
- Omohyoid: origin, insertion, intermediate tendon and action
- Orbicularis oculi: its three parts, function and the facial nerve
- Orbicularis oculi: orbital, palpebral and lacrimal parts explained
- Palatoglossus: position, function and nerve supply
- Palatopharyngeus and musculus uvulae: position, action, nerves
- Pharyngeal constrictors: where they are and how they move food
- Pharyngobasilar fascia: position, role and English name
- Platysma: location, features and English and Latin names
- Platysma: position, attachments and facial nerve supply
- Procerus: the muscle that lowers the brows, position, action and nerve
- Rectus capitis anterior and lateralis: position and function
- Rectus capitis posterior major and minor: origin, action
- Risorius: origin, insertion, function and nerve of the muscle that pulls the mouth corner sideways
- Scalene muscles
- Scalene muscles: origins, insertions and cervical nerve supply of the anterior, middle and posterior scalenes
- Semispinalis capitis: origin, insertion, action and nerves
- Semispinalis cervicis and thoracis: attachments, action and layers
- Spinalis cervicis: origin, insertion and action
- Splenius capitis: position, action and difference from the SCM
- Splenius capitis: position, action and English name
- Splenius cervicis: origin, insertion and action
- Sternocleidomastoid: origin, insertion, actions and accessory nerve supply in 3D
- Sternohyoid: origin, insertion, action and ansa cervicalis
- Stylohyoid muscle: location, action, nerve and study tips
- Stylopharyngeus: origin, insertion, action and nerve
- Superior and inferior longitudinal muscles of the tongue
- Superior and inferior rectus: how to study their location and action
- Superior and inferior rectus: location, action and nerve supply
- Superior auricular muscle
- Superior auricular muscle and posterior auricular muscle: location, action and nerve supply
- Superior oblique muscle: position, actions and trochlear nerve
- Temporalis muscle: origin, insertion, function and nerve
- Temporoparietalis: location, role and nerve supply explained
- Tensor tympani: location, attachments, function and nerve supply
- Thyroepiglottic and thyroarytenoid muscles: position and function
- Thyrohyoid muscle: origin, insertion, action and C1 supply
- Transverse arytenoid muscle: location, action and nerve in 3D
- Transverse Muscle of the Tongue: Location, Action and Nerve
- Upper fibres of the trapezius: position, actions and nerve
- Vertical muscle of the tongue and hyoglossus: position, action, nerve
- Vocalis Muscle: Location, Action and Nerve Supply
- What is ciliary muscle? Explain how to study human anatomy locations, locations, English, etc. with human anatomy diagrams
- What is pupillary sphincter muscle and pupillary dilator muscle? Explain how to study human anatomy locations, locations, English, etc. with human anatomy diagrams
- What is the orbicularis oris? Position, English name and more explained with anatomical diagrams
- What is the orbicularis oris? Structure, function and nerve of the muscle that closes the mouth, explained in 3D
- What is the sternocleidomastoid? Origin, insertion, head rotation and accessory nerve supply in 3D
- What is the sternothyroid? Origin, insertion, function and nerve of the infrahyoid muscle from the manubrium to the thyroid cartilage
- Where is the masseter? Origin, insertion and nerve supply
- Zygomaticus major and minor: location, action and nerve supply
Tendons, aponeuroses and region names
- Achilles tendon: location, features and English name
- Ball of the big toe: location, muscles and nerves
- Extensor expansion: location and role in finger extension
- Palmar aponeurosis: where it is, function and carpal tunnel
- Pterygomandibular raphe: position, role and landmarks
- The calf: position and role, gastrocnemius and soleus in 3D
- The thigh: where it is, its muscle groups and nerves
- Trochlea of the eye: the pulley-like structure of the superior oblique muscle
- Upper arm: muscles and nerves from shoulder to elbow in 3D
- What is a white line
- What is the plantar aponeurosis? Position, function and English name of the sheet supporting the arch of the foot
FAQ
How many muscles are in the human body?
There are about 400 skeletal muscles; counting left and right separately, or splitting muscles into smaller parts, gives 600 or more. Muscle tissue comes in three types, skeletal, cardiac and smooth, and only skeletal muscle is under voluntary control.
What is the difference between origin and insertion?
The origin is the attachment nearer the trunk that moves less; the insertion is the more distal attachment that actually moves. When the muscle contracts, the insertion is pulled towards the origin. The biceps brachii, for example, runs from the scapula (origin) to the radial tuberosity (insertion) and flexes the elbow.
How are muscles named?
Names describe shape (deltoid, rhomboid), position (temporalis, tibialis anterior), attachments (sternocleidomastoid), number of heads (biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris), action (abductor pollicis brevis, levator scapulae) or size (gluteus maximus, teres minor). Most are Latin, so learning a few roots such as brevis (short), longus (long), magnus (large) and levator (lifter) makes the attachments and actions easier to remember.
Why learn which nerve supplies each muscle?
Muscles in the same compartment usually share a nerve, so the nerve supply works as a map of the limb. In the forearm, the anterior flexors are supplied by the median and ulnar nerves and the posterior extensors by the radial nerve; in the thigh, the femoral, obturator and sciatic nerves supply the anterior, medial and posterior groups. Learning muscles compartment by compartment with their nerve makes the tables easier to remember.
How can I study the muscles in 3D?
In the teamLabBody anatomy app you can show or hide muscles layer by layer and see their origins and insertions in 3D. Each muscle article links to the matching part of the app.
See every structure in 3D with the teamLabBody anatomy app.