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Muscles that Move the Forearm

Muscles that Move the Forearm

The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach

Published on: May 23, 2025

Brachialis muscle anatomy. A study in cadavers.

Domenic T Leonello¹, Ian J Galley, Gregory I Bain

¹University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume

|June 5, 2007

Summary

This study clarifies brachialis muscle anatomy, revealing two distinct heads with unique origins and insertions. This detailed understanding of elbow anatomy can refine surgical approaches and improve reconstructive techniques.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach

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Published on: May 23, 2025

Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

Published on: June 13, 2025

Area of Science:

Anatomy
Orthopedic Surgery
Human Physiology

Background:

Conflicting descriptions of brachialis muscle anatomy exist in current literature.
Accurate anatomical knowledge is crucial for effective surgical interventions around the elbow.

Purpose of the Study:

To precisely delineate the anatomical characteristics of the brachialis muscle.
To provide a clearer understanding for refining surgical techniques in elbow procedures.

Main Methods:

Dissection of eleven cadaveric upper limbs under loupe magnification.
Gross morphological assessment and recording of brachialis muscle relationships and nerve supply.
Histological examination of nerve supply to confirm gross findings.

Main Results:

The brachialis muscle consistently presented with two heads: a larger superficial head and a smaller deep head.
The superficial head originated proximally on the humerus, inserting via a tendon onto the ulnar tuberosity.
The deep head, with fan-shaped fibers, inserted via an aponeurosis onto the coronoid process, receiving innervation from the radial nerve.

Conclusions:

The observed two-headed brachialis anatomy differs from existing literature, with distinct functional implications for elbow flexion and stability.
The superficial head's origin and insertion suggest a primary role in flexion strength, while the deep head may aid in initiating flexion and stabilizing the ulnohumeral joint.
This detailed anatomy offers potential for improved surgical approaches, tendon transfers for rotational strength, and ligament reconstruction around the elbow.