Muscles of the

Back Region -
Listed
Alphabetically
Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
erector spinae iliac crest, angles of the extends and segmentally supplied the erector spinae m. is
sacrum, ribs, transverse laterally innervated by segmentally by: separated into 3 columns
transverse and and spinous bends the dorsal primary deep cervical a., of muscle: iliocostalis
spinous processes of trunk, neck rami of spinal posterior laterally, longissimus in an
processes of vertebrae, and head nerves C1-S5 intercostal aa., intermediate position and
vertebrae and posterior aspect subcostal aa., spinalis medially; each of
supraspinal of the skull lumbar aa. these columns has multiple
ligament named parts
iliocostalis iliac crest and angles of the extends and dorsal primary supplied the most lateral part of the
sacrum ribs laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: erector spinae; it may be
bends the nerves C4-S5 deep cervical a., subdivided into lumborum,
trunk and posterior thoracis and cervicis
neck intercostal aa., portions
subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
interspinales upper border of lower border of extend trunk dorsal primary supplied these are small and fairly
spinous process spinous process and neck rami of spinal segmentally by: insignificant muscles
above nerves C1-L5 deep cervical a.,
posterior
intercostal aa.,
subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
intertransversarii upper border of lower border of laterally bend dorsal primary supplied these are small and fairly
transverse transverse trunk and rami of spinal segmentally by: insignificant muscles
process process above neck nerves C1-L5 deep cervical a.,
posterior
intercostal aa.,
subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
longissimus transverse transverse extends and dorsal primary supplied the intermediate part of the
process at process at laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: erector spinae;it may be
inferior vertebral superior bends the nerves C1-S1 deep cervical a., subdivided into thoracis,
levels vertebral levels trunk, neck posterior cervicis and capitis
and mastoid and head intercostal aa., portions
process subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
multifidus sacrum, spinous extend and dorsal primary supplied semispinalis, multifidus
transverse processes 2-4 laterally bend rami of spinal segmentally by: and rotatores make up the
processes of C3- vertebral levels trunk and nerves C1-L5 deep cervical a., transversospinal muscle
L5 superior to their neck, rotate posterior group
origin to opposite intercostal aa.,
side subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
obliquus capitis inferior spinous process transverse rotates the suboccipital occipital a. greater occipital nerve
of the axis process of atlas head to the nerve (DPR of (DPR of C2) passes
same side C1) superiorly around the
inferior margin of inferior
oblique
obliquus capitis superior transverse occipital bone extends the suboccipital occipital a. the suboccipital triangle is
process of atlas above inferior head, rotates nerve (DPR of formed by obliquus capitis
nuchal line the head to C1) superior and inferior and
 the same side rectus capitis posterior
major
rectus capitis posterior spinous process inferior nuchal extends the suboccipital occipital a. none
major of axis line head, rotate nerve (DPR of
to same side C1)
rectus capitis posterior posterior inferior nuchal extends the suboccipital occipital a. rectus capitis posterior
minor tubercle of atlas line medially head nerve (DPR of minor is deeper and inserts
C1) more medial than rectus
capitis posterior major
rotatores transverse long rotatores: rotates the dorsal primary supplied semispinalis, multifidus
processes spines 2 vertebral rami of spinal segmentally by: and rotatores make up the
vertebrae above column to nerves C1-L5 deep cervical a., transversospinal muscle
origin; short the opposite posterior group
rotatores: side intercostal aa.,
spines 1 subcostal aa.,
vertebrae above lumbar aa.
origin
semispinalis transverse capitis: back of extends the dorsal primary supplied three parts are named
processes of C7- skull between trunk and rami of spinal segmentally by: based on their insertions:
T12 nuchal lines; laterally nerves C1-T12 deep cervical a., capitis, cervicis and
cervicis & bends the posterior thoracis; semispinalis,
thoracis: spines trunk, rotates intercostal aa., multifidus and rotatores
4-6 vertebrae the trunk to subcostal aa., make up the
above origin the opposite lumbar aa. transversospinal muscle
side group
spinalis spinous spinous extends and dorsal primary supplied most medial part of the
processes at processes at laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: erector spinae; may be
inferior vertebral superior bends trunk nerves C2-L3 deep cervical a., subdivided into thoracis,
levels vertebral levels and neck posterior cervicis and capitis
 and base of the intercostal aa., portions
skull subcostal aa.,
lumbar aa.
splenius ligamentum capitis: mastoid extends and dorsal primary supplied splenius means bandage; it
nuchae and process & laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: gets its name from its
spines C7-T6 superior nuchal bends neck nerves C2-C6 deep cervical a., broad, flat shape
line laterally; and head; posterior
cervicis: rotates head intercostal aa.
posterior to same side
tubercles of C1-
C3 vertebrae
splenius capitis ligamentum mastoid process extends and dorsal primary supplied named for its shape:
nuchae and and lateral end laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: splenius means bandage
spines of C7-T6 of the superior bends the nerves C2-C6 deep cervical a., and capitis refers to the
vertebrae nuchal line neck and posterior insertion of this portion of
head, rotates intercostal aa. the muscle
head to the
same side
splenius cervicis ligamentum posterior extends and dorsal primary supplied named for its shape:
nuchae and tubercles of the laterally rami of spinal segmentally by: splenius means bandage
spines of C7-T6 transverse bends neck nerves C2-C6 deep cervical a., and cervicis refers to the
vertebrae processes of and head, posterior insertion of this portion of
C1-C3 rotates head intercostal aa. the muscle
vertebrae to the same
side

Muscles of the Upper Limb - Listed Alphabetically

Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
abductor digiti pisiform base of the abducts the 5th digit deep branch of the ulnar a. abductor digiti
minimi (hand) proximal ulnar nerve minimi, flexor digiti
phalanx of the minimi brevis, and
5th digit on its opponens digiti
ulnar side minimi are located
in the hypothenar
compartment of the
hand
abductor flexor base of the abducts thumb recurrent branch of superficial abductor pollicis
pollicis brevis retinaculum, proximal median nerve palmar br. of the brevis, flexor
scaphoid, phalanx of the radial a. pollicis brevis, and
trapezium first digit opponens pollicis are
located in the thenar
compartment of the
hand
abductor middle one-third radial side of the abducts the thumb at radial nerve, deep posterior the tendons of
pollicis longus of the posterior base of the first carpometacarpal joint branch interosseous a. abductor pollicis
surface of the metacarpal longus and extensor
radius, pollicis brevis make
interosseous the lateral border of
membrane, mid- the anatomical
portion of snuffbox
posterolateral
ulna
adductor oblique head: base of the adducts the thumb ulnar nerve, deep deep palmar deep palmar arch
pollicis capitate and base proximal branch arterial arch and deep ulnar nerve
of the 2nd and phalanx of the pass between the
3rd metacarpals; thumb two heads of
transverse head: adductor pollicis,
shaft of the 3rd which is in the
 metacarpal adductor-
interosseous
compartment
anconeus lateral lateral side of extends the forearm nerve to anconeus, interosseous none
epicondyle of the the olecranon from the radial recurrent a.
humerus and the upper nerve
one-fourth of
the ulna
biceps brachii short head: tip of tuberosity of the flexes the forearm, musculocutaneous brachial a. a powerful supinator
the coracoid radius flexes arm (long head), nerve (C5,6) only if the elbow is
process of the supinates flexed
scapula; long
head:
supraglenoid
tubercle of the
scapula
brachialis anterior surface coronoid flexes the forearm musculocutaneous brachial a., a powerful flexor
of the lower one- process of the nerve (C5,6) radial recurrent
half of the ulna a.
humerus and the
associated
intermuscular
septa
brachioradialis upper two-thirds lateral side of flexes the elbow, assists radial nerve radial recurrent although
of the lateral the base of the in pronation & a. brachioradialis is
supracondylar styloid process supination innervated by the
ridge of the of the radius nerve for extensors
humerus (radial), its primary
action is elbow
 flexion; the neutral
position of this
muscle is half way
between supination
and pronation
(elbow flexed,
thumb up)
coracobrachialis coracoid process medial side of flexes and adducts the musculocutaneous brachial a. the
of the scapula the humerus at arm nerve (C5,6) musculocutaneous
mid-shaft nerve passes through
the coracobrachialis
muscle to reach the
other arm flexor
mm.(biceps brachii
and brachialis)
deltoid lateral one-third deltoid abducts arm; anterior axillary nerve posterior the deltoid muscle is
of the clavicle, tuberosity of the fibers flex & medially (C5,6) from the circumflex the principle
acromion, the humerus rotate the arm; posterior posterior cord of humeral a. abductor of the arm
lower lip of the fibers extend & laterally the brachial plexus but due to poor
crest of the spine rotate the arm mechanical
of the scapula advantage it cannot
initiate this action; it
is assisted by the
supraspinatus m.
dorsal four muscles, base of the flex the ulnar nerve, deep dorsal and bipennate muscles;
interosseous each arising proximal metacarpophalangeal branch palmar remember DAB &
(hand) from two phalanx and the joint, extend the metacarpal aa. PAD - Dorsal
adjacent extensor proximal and distal interosseous mm.
metacarpal expansion on interphalangeal joints of ABduct and Palmar
shafts lateral side of digits 2-4, abduct digits interosseous mm.
 the 2nd digit, 2-4 (abduction of digits ADduct - then you
lateral & medial in the hand is defined as can figure out where
sides of the 3rd movement away from they must insert to
digit, and the midline of the 3rd cause these actions
medial side of digit)
the 4th digit
extensor carpi lateral dorsum of the extends the wrist; radial nerve radial a. works with the
radialis brevis supracondylar third metacarpal abducts the hand extensor carpi
ridge of the bone (base) radialis longus and
humerus flexor carpi radialis
(common in abduction of the
extensor tendon hand
extensor carpi lower one-third dorsum of the extends the wrist; deep radial nerve radial a. works with the
radialis longus of the lateral second abducts the hand extensor carpi
supracondylar metacarpal bone radialis brevis and
ridge of the (base) flexor carpi radialis
humerus in abduction of the
hand
extensor carpi common medial side of extends the wrist; deep radial nerve ulnar a. works with the
ulnaris extensor tendon the base of the adducts the hand flexor carpi ulnaris
& the middle 5th metacarpal in adduction of the
one-half of the hand
posterior border
of the ulna
extensor digiti common joins the extends the deep radial nerve interosseous extensor digiti
minimi extensor tendon extensor metacarpophalangeal, recurrent a. minimi appears to be
(lateral digitorum proximal the ulnar-most
epicondyle of the tendon to the interphalangeal and portion of extensor
humerus) 5th digit and distal interphalangeal digitorum
 inserts into the joints of the 5th digit
extensor
expansion
extensor common extensor extends the deep radial nerve interosseous the extensor
digitorum extensor tendon expansion of metacarpophalangeal, recurrent a. and expansion inserts via
(lateral digits 2-5 proximal posterior a central band on the
epicondyle of the interphalangeal and interosseous a. base of the middle
humerus) distal interphalangeal phalanx, while
joints of the 2nd-5th lateral & medial
digits; extends wrist slips insert on the
distal phalanx
extensor indicis interosseous its tendon joins extends the index finger deep radial nerve posterior extensor indicis is a
membrane and the tendon of at the interosseous a deep forearm
the posterolateral the extensor metacarpophalangeal, extensor, whereas
surface of the digitorum to the proximal extensor digiti
distal ulna second digit; interphalangeal and minimi is in the
both tendons distal interphalangeal superficial layer of
insert into the joints extensors
extensor
expansion
extensor pollicis interosseous base of the extends the thumb at the deep radial nerve posterior the tendons of
brevis membrane and proximal metacarpophalangeal interosseous a extensor pollicis
the posterior phalanx of the joint brevis and abductor
surface of the thumb pollicis longus make
distal radius the lateral border of
the anatomical
snuffbox, in which
the radial arterial
pulse can be felt
extensor pollicis interosseous base of the extends the thumb at the deep radial nerve posterior the tendon of
longus membrane and distal phalanx of interphalangeal joint interosseous a extensor pollicis
middle part of the thumb longus hooks around
the posterolateral the dorsal radial
surface of the tubercle; it forms the
ulna medial border of the
anatomical snuffbox,
in which the radial
arterial pulse can be
felt
flexor carpi common flexor base of the flexes the wrist, abducts median nerve ulnar a. works with the
radialis tendon from the second and third the hand extensor carpi
medial metacarpals radialis longus and
epicondyle of the brevis mm. to abduct
humerus hand
flexor carpi common flexor pisiform, hook flexes wrist, adducts ulnar nerve ulnar a. the ulnar nerve
ulnaris tendon & (ulnar of hamate, and hand passes between the
head) from base of 5th two heads of origin
medial border of metacarpal of the flexor carpi
olecranon & ulnaris m.
upper 2/3 of the
posterior border
of the ulna
flexor digiti hook of hamate proximal flexes the ulnar nerve, deep ulnar a. flexor digiti minimi
minimi brevis & the flexor phalanx of the carpometacarpal and branch brevis, abductor
(hand) retinaculum 5th digit metacarpophalangeal digiti minimi, and
joints of the 5th digit opponens digiti
minimi are in the
hypothenar
compartment of the
 hand
flexor digitorum posterior border base of the flexes the median nerve ulnar a., anterior ulnar nerve
profundus of the ulna, distal phalanx of metacarpophalangeal, (radial one-half); interosseous a. innervates the
proximal two- digits 2-5 proximal ulnar nerve (ulnar portion of profundus
thirds of medial interphalangeal and one-half) that acts on digits 4
border of ulna, distal interphalangeal & 5 (the ulnar 2
interosseous joints digits)
membrane
flexor digitorum humeroulnar shafts of the flexes the median nerve ulnar a. median nerve travels
superficialis head: common middle metacarpophalangeal distally in the
flexor tendon; phalanges of and proximal forearm on the deep
radial head: digits 2-5 interphalangeal joints surface of the flexor
middle 1/3 of digitorum
radius superficialis m.
flexor pollicis flexor proximal flexes the recurrent branch of superficial flexor pollicis
brevis retinaculum, phalanx of the carpometacarpal and the median nerve palmar br. of the brevis, abductor
trapezium 1st digit metacarpophalangeal radial a. pollicis brevis, and
joints of the thumb opponens pollicis are
the three muscles of
the thenar
compartment of the
hand
flexor pollicis anterior surface base of the flexes the median nerve anterior the tendon of flexor
longus of radius and distal phalanx of metacarpophalangeal interosseous a. pollicis longus
interosseous the thumb and interphalangeal passes through the
membrane joints of the thumb carpal tunnel with
the other long digital
flexor tendons and
the median nerve
infraspinatus infraspinatous greater tubercle laterally rotates the arm suprascapular suprascapular a. infraspinatus,
fossa of the humerus nerve supraspinatus, teres
(middle facet) minor and
subscapularis are the
rotator cuff muscles
interosseous, four muscles, base of the flex the ulnar nerve, deep dorsal and bipennate muscles;
dorsal (hand) each arising proximal metacarpophalangeal branch palmar remember DAB &
from two phalanx and the joint, extend the metacarpal aa. PAD - Dorsal
adjacent extensor proximal and distal interosseous mm.
metacarpal expansion on interphalangeal joints of ABduct and Palmar
shafts lateral side of digits 2-4, abduct digits interosseous mm.
the 2nd digit, 2-4 (abduction of digits ADduct - then you
lateral & medial in the hand is defined as can figure out where
sides of the 3rd movement away from they must insert to
digit, and the midline of the 3rd cause these actions
medial side of digit)
the 4th digit
interosseous, four muscles, base of the flexes the ulnar nerve, deep palmar unipennate muscles;
palmar arising from the proximal metacarpophalangeal, branch metacarpal aa. remember PAD &
palmar surface phalanx and extends proximal and DAB: Palmar
of the shafts of extensor distal interphalangeal interossei ADduct
metacarpals 1, 2, expansion of the joints and adducts digits and Dorsal interossei
4, & 5 (the 1st medial side of 1, 2, 4, & 5 (adduction ABduct, and you
palmar digits 1 & 2, and of the digits of the hand will be able to figure
interosseous is lateral side of is in reference to the out where they must
often fused with digits 4 & 5 midline of the 3rd digit) insert
the adductor
pollicis m.)
latissimus dorsi vertebral spines floor of the extends the arm and thoracodorsal thoracodorsal a. the inserting tendon
from T7 to the intertubercular rotates the arm medially nerve (C7,8) from twists so that fibers
 sacrum, posterior groove the posterior cord originating highest
third of the iliac of the brachial insert lowest
crest, lower 3 or plexus
4 ribs,
sometimes from
the inferior angle
of the scapula
levator scapulae transverse medial border of elevates the scapula dorsal scapular dorsal scapular levator scapulae is
processes of C1- the scapula from nerve (C5); the a. named for its action
C4 vertebrae the superior upper part of the
angle to the muscle receives
spine branches of C3 &
C4
lumbrical flexor digitorum extensor flex the median nerve superficial lumbricals,
(hand) profundus expansion on metacarpophalangeal (radial 2) via palmar arterial (lumbricus is latin
tendons of digits the radial side of joints, extend the palmar digital arch for "worm") arise
2-5 the proximal proximal and distal nerves & ulnar from the profundus
phalanx of digits interphalangeal joints of nerve (ulnar 2) via tendons and have the
2-5 digits 2-5 deep branch same pattern of
innervation as does
the profundus
muscle (ulnar and
median nn. split the
task equally)
opponens digiti hook of hamate shaft of 5th opposes the 5th digit ulnar nerve, deep ulnar a. opposition is a
minimi and flexor metacarpal branch rotational movement
retinaculum of the 5th metacarpal
around the long axis
of its shaft;
opponens digiti
 minimi, abductor
digiti minimi, and
flexor digiti minimi
brevis are in the
hypothenar
compartment of the
hand
opponens flexor shaft of 1st opposes the thumb recurrent branch of superficial opposition is a
pollicis retinaculum, metacarpal median nerve palmar branch rotational movement
trapezium of the radial a. of the 1st metacarpal
around the long axis
of its shaft;
opponens pollicis,
abductor pollicis
brevis, and flexor
pollicis brevis are in
the thenar
compartment of the
hand
palmar four muscles, base of the flexes the ulnar nerve, deep palmar unipennate muscles;
interosseous arising from the proximal metacarpophalangeal, branch metacarpal aa. remember PAD &
palmar surface phalanx and extends proximal and DAB: Palmar
of the shafts of extensor distal interphalangeal interossei ADduct
metacarpals 1, 2, expansion of the joints and adducts digits and Dorsal interossei
4, & 5 (the 1st medial side of 1, 2, 4, & 5 (adduction ABduct, and you
palmar digits 1 & 2, and of the digits of the hand will be able to figure
interosseous is lateral side of is in reference to the out where they must
often fused with digits 4 & 5 midline of the 3rd digit) insert
the adductor
pollicis m.)
palmaris brevis fascia overlying skin of the palm draws the skin of the superficial br. of ulnar a. palmaris brevis
the hypothenar near the ulnar ulnar side of the hand the ulnar n. improves the grasp
eminence border of the toward the center of the
hand palm
palmaris longus common flexor palmar flexes the wrist median nerve ulnar a. palmaris longus is
tendon, from the aponeurosis absent in about 13%
medial of forearms; it may
epicondyle of the be present on one
humerus side only
pectoralis major medial 1/2 of the crest of the flexes and adducts the medial and lateral pectoral branch the deep fascia on its
clavicle, greater tubercle arm, medially rotates pectoral nerves of the anterior surface
manubrium & of the humerus the arm (C5-T1) thoracoacromial should not be fused
body of sternum, trunk to the fascia of the
costal cartilages mammary gland - if
of ribs 2-6, it is, this is an
sometimes from important clinical
the rectus sheath sign indicating
of the upper breast disease
abdominal wall
pectoralis minor ribs 3-5 coracoid process draws the scapula medial pectoral pectoral branch branches of medial
of the scapula forward, medialward, nerve (C8, T1) of the pectoral nerve
and downward thoracoacromial usually pierce
trunk pectoralis minor to
reach the pectoralis
major muscle
pronator medial side of anterior surface pronates the forearm median nerve via anterior pronator quadratus is
quadratus the anterior of the distal the anterior interosseous a. the deepest muscle
surface of the one-fourth of interosseous nerve in the distal forearm;
distal one-fourth the radius it works with
 of the ulna pronator teres and
has the same nerve
supply
pronator teres common flexor midpoint of the pronates the forearm median nerve ulnar a., anterior median nerve passes
tendon and (deep lateral side of ulnar recurrent between the two
or ulnar head) the shaft of the a. heads of origin of
from medial side radius pronator teres
of coronoid
process of the
ulna
rhomboideus spines of medial border of retracts, elevates and dorsal scapular dorsal scapular named for its shape
major vertebrae T2-T5 the scapula rotates the scapula nerve (C5) a.
inferior to the inferiorly
spine of the
scapula
rhomboideus inferior end of medial border of retracts, elevates and dorsal scapular dorsal scapular a named for its shape
minor the ligamentum the scapula at rotates the scapula nerve (C5)
nuchae, spines of the root of the inferiorly
vertebrae C7 and spine of the
T1 scapula
serratus anterior ribs 1-8 or 9 medial border of it draws the scapula long thoracic nerve lateral thoracic a lesion of long
the scapula on forward; the inferior (from ventral rami a. thoracic nerve will
its costal (deep) fibers rotate the scapula C5-C7) cause winging of the
surface superiorly scapula (i.e., the
medial border of the
scapula falls away
from the posterior
chest wall and looks
like an angel's wing)
serratus thoracolumbar ribs 9-12, lateral pulls down lower ribs branches of the lowest posterior a respiratory muscle,
posterior fascia, spines of to the angles ventral primary intercostal a., it receives ventral
inferior vertebrae T11- rami of spinal subcostal a., ramus innervation;
T12 and L1-L2 nerves T9-T12 first two lumbar embryonically
aa. related to the
intercostal muscles,
not the deep back
mm.
serratus ligamentum ribs 1-4, lateral elevates the upper ribs branches of the posterior a respiratory muscle,
posterior nuchae, spines of to the angles ventral primary intercostal aa. 1- it receives ventral
superior vertebrae C7 and rami of spinal 4 ramus innervation;
T1-T3 nerves T1-T4 embryonically
related to the
intercostal muscles,
not the deep back
mm.
subclavius first rib and its inferior surface draws the clavicle (and nerve to subclavius clavicular br. of it serves an
cartilage of the clavicle hence the shoulder) (C5) the important protective
down and forward thoracoacromial function - it cushions
trunk the subclavian
vessels from bone
fragments in
clavicular fractures
subscapularis medial two- lesser tubercle medially rotates the upper and lower subscapular a. subscapularis,
thirds of the of the humerus arm; assists extention of subscapular nerves supraspinatus,
costal surface of the arm (C5,6) infraspinatus, and
the scapula teres minor are the
(subscapular rotator cuff muscles
fossa)
supinator lateral lateral side of supinates the forearm deep radial nerve recurrent deep radial nerve
epicondyle of the proximal one- interosseous a. passes through the
humerus, third of the supinator to reach
supinator crest & radius the posterior
fossa of the ulna, compartment of the
radial collateral forearm
ligament,
annular ligament
supraspinatus supraspinatous greater tubercle abducts the arm suprascapular suprascapular a. supraspinatus
fossa of the humerus (initiates abduction) nerve (C5,6) from initiates abduction of
(highest facet) the superior trunk the arm, then the
of the brachial deltoid muscle
plexus completes the action;
a member of the
rotator cuff group
teres major dorsal surface of crest of the adducts the arm, lower subscapular circumflex teres major inserts
the inferior angle lesser tubercle medially rotates the nerve (C5,6) from scapular a. beside the tendon of
of the scapula of the humerus arm, assists in arm the posterior cord latissimus dorsi, and
extension of the brachial assists latissimus in
plexus its actions
teres minor upper 2/3 of the greater tubercle laterally rotates the arm axillary nerve circumflex fixes the head of the
lateral border of of the humerus (C5,6) from the scapular a. humerus in the
the scapula (lowest facet) posterior cord of glenoid fossa during
the brachial plexus abduction & flexion
of the arm; a
member of the
rotator cuff group
trapezius medial third of lateral third of elevates and depresses motor: spinal transverse named for its shape;
the superior the clavicle, the scapula (depending accessory (XI), cervical a. trapezius is an
 nuchal line, medial side of on which part of the proprioception: example of a muscle
external occipital the acromion muscle contracts); C3-C4 that migrates during
protuberance, and the upper rotates the scapula development from
ligamentum crest of the superiorly; retracts its level of origin
nuchae, spinous scapular spine, scapula (cervical) to its final
processes of tubercle of the position, pulling its
vertebrae C7- scapular spine nerve and artery
T12 along behind
triceps brachii long head: olecranon extends the forearm; the radial nerve deep brachial long head of the
infraglenoid process of the long head extends and (profunda triceps separates the
tubercle of the ulna adducts arm brachii) a. triangular and
scapula; lateral quadrangular spaces
head: (teres major, teres
posterolateral minor and the
humerus & humerus are the
lateral other boundaries);
intermuscular all three heads of
septum; medial origin insert by a
head: common tendon
posteromedial
surface of the
inferior 1/2 of
the humerus

Muscles of the Head and Neck - Listed Alphabetically

Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
anterior scalene anterior tubercles scalene tubercle of elevates the first brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the first rib rib; flexes and C5-C7 a., a branch of the inspiration; an
processes of laterally bends the thyrocervical trunk important landmark
 vertebrae C3-C6 neck of the neck; it is
located between the
subclavian vein and
the subclavian
artery; the roots of
the brachial plexus
pass posterior to it;
the phrenic nerve
crosses its anterior
surface
aryepiglottic apex (superior epiglottis draws the inferior laryngeal br. of the the mucosa is
part) of the epiglottis laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. raised by the
arytenoid cartilage posteriorly and from recurrent underlying
downward during laryngeal nerve, aryepiglottic m. to
swallowing a branch of the form the
of vagus (X) aryepiglottic fold
arytenoid, oblique muscular process posterior surface of draws arytenoid inferior laryngeal br. of the the oblique
of the arytenoid the contralateral cartilages together, laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. arytenoid m. lies
cartilage arytenoid cartilage, adducting the from recurrent posterior to the
near its apex vocal folds laryngeal nerve, transverse
a branch of the arytenoid m.; the
of vagus (X) arytenoideus is
often considered to
be one muscle with
oblique and
transverse fibers
arytenoid, posterior surface posterior surface of draws arytenoid inferior laryngeal br. of the the transverse
transverse of the arytenoid the contralateral cartilages together, laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. arytenoid m.lies
cartilage arytenoid cartilage adducting the from recurrent anterior to the
vocal folds laryngeal nerve, oblique arytenoid
 a branch of the m.; the
vagus nerve (X) arytenoideus is
often considered to
be one muscle with
oblique and
transverse parts
auricular anterior: galea auricle anteriorly, wiggle the ears anterior & superficial the auricular
aponeurotica superiorly and superior: temporal a., muscles are derived
anterior to ear; posteriorly temporal posterior auricular from the
superior: galea branches of a. mesenchyme of the
aponeurotica facial nerve second pharyngeal
superior to ear; (VII); posterior: arch, as are the
posterior: mastoid posterior muscles of facial
process auricular branch expression
of facial nerve
(VII)
buccinator pterygomandibula angle of mouth and pulls the corner of buccal branches facial a. although the
r raphe, mandible, the lateral portion mouth laterally; of the facial buccinator is
and the maxilla of the upper and presses the cheek nerve (VII) important in
lateral to the lower lips against the teeth mastication, it is
molar teeth innervated by the
buccal branch of
the facial nerve and
NOT by the buccal
nerve from V3 (a
sensory nerve)
chondroglossus medial side of the ascends to blend pulls the sides of hypoglossal lingual a. chondroglossus is
lesser horn and with the intrinsic the tongue down nerve (XII) often considered to
body of the hyoid tongue be part of the
bone musculature hyoglossus muscle
ciliary meridional fibers: meridional fibers: relaxes the parasympathetic ophthalmic a. relaxation of the
scleral spur; ciliary process; suspensory fibers in the suspensory
circular fibers: circular fibers: ligament of the oculomotor ligament allows the
encircle the ciliary encircle the ciliary lens nerve (III), lens to thicken for
process process synapsing in the accommodation
ciliary ganglion (near vision)
constrictor, inferior oblique line of the midline pharyngeal constricts vagus (X), via ascending the most external
pharyngeal thyroid cartilage, raphe pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a., of the three
lateral surface of plexus, with aid superior thyroid a., pharyngeal
cricoid cartilage from the superior inferior thyroid a. constructor mm.
laryngeal and
recurrent
laryngeal nerves
constrictor, middle lesser and greater midline pharyngeal constricts the vagus (X), via ascending of the three
pharyngeal horns of the hyoid raphe pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a. pharyngeal
bone and the plexus constrictors, this
inferior part of the one is intermediate
stylohyoid in both
ligament superior/inferior
position and depth
constrictor, medial pterygoid pharyngeal constricts the vagus (X), via ascending the most internal of
superior pharyngeal plate, pterygoid tubercle and pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a. the three
hamulus, midline pharyngeal plexus pharyngeal
pterygomandibula raphe constructor mm.
r raphe,
mylohyoid line of
mandible
corrugator medial part of the skin of the medial pulls eyebrows temporal branch supratrochlear a. this muscle causes
supercillary arch half of the eyebrow together medially of the facial the furrowed brow
 nerve (VII) of the worried look
cricoarytenoid, arch of the cricoid muscular process draws the muscular inferior superior laryngeal an antagonist of the
lateral cartilage of the arytenoid process of the laryngeal nerve, a., cricothyroid posterior
cartilage arytenoid cartilage from the branch of the cricoarytenoid m.;
anteriorly, which recurrent superior thyroid a. the arteries that
pivots the laryngeal nerve, supply the larynx
arytenoid cartilage a branch of the anastomose within
and adducts the vagus nerve (X) the larynx to
vocal folds supply the mucous
membranes and
muscles
cricoarytenoid, posterior surface muscular process draws the muscular inferior superior laryngeal the posterior
posterior of the lamina of of the arytenoid process laryngeal nerve, a., cricothyroid cricoarytenoid is
the cricoid cartilage posteriorly, which from the branch of the the only ABductor
cartilage pivots the recurrent superior thyroid a. of the vocal folds;
arytenoid cartilage laryngeal nerve, the arteries that
and abducts the a branch of the supply the larynx
vocal folds vagus nerve (X) anastomose within
the larynx to
supply the mucous
membranes and
muscles
cricopharyngeus lateral surface of midline pharyngeal constricts the recurrent cricothyroid branch cricopharyngeus
the cricoid raphe pharyngeal cavity laryngeal nerve, of the superior represents the
cartilage and the entrance to a branch of the thyroid a., lowest fibers of the
the esophagus vagus nerve (X) ascending inferior pharyngeal
pharyngeal a. constrictor; it is
continuous with the
esophagus below
and marks the
 beginning of it
cricothyroid arch of the cricoid inferior border of draws the thyroid external branch cricothyroid branch this is the only
cartilage the thyroid cartilage forward, of superior of the superior intrinsic muscle of
cartilage lengthening the laryngeal nerve, thyroid a. the larynx that is
vocal ligaments a branch of the not supplied by the
vagus nerve (X) recurrent laryngeal
n.; ALL other
laryngeal muscles
are innervated by
recurrent laryngeal
nerve, via its
inferior laryngeal
branch
depressor anguli oblique line of the angle of the mouth pulls the corner of marginal inferior labial a "frown" muscle
oris mandible the mouth mandibular & branch of the facial
downward buccal branches a., mental a.
of the facial
nerve (VII)
depressor labii anterior surface of skin of the lower depresses the marginal inferior labial this muscle is used
inferioris the mandible lip lower lip mandibular branch of the facial to bare the lower
branch of the a., mental a. incisor teeth
facial nerve
(VII)
depressor septi maxilla near the nasal septum depresses the nasal buccal branch of superior labial depressor septi is
midline above the septum; involved facial nerve branch of the facial considered a part of
incisor teeth in flaring the (VII) a. the nasalis m.
nostrils
digastric anterior belly: body of the hyoid elevates the hyoid anterior belly: anterior belly: the digastric m.
digastric fossa of via a fibrous loop bone; depresses the mylohyoid submental a.; forms two sides of
 the mandible; over an mandible nerve, from the posterior belly: the submandibular
posterior belly: intermediate mandibular occipital a. triangle; it is
mastoid notch of tendon division of the formed from
the temporal bone trigeminal nerve mesenchyme
(V); posterior derived from the
belly: facial first two
nerve (VII) pharyngeal arches,
hence its dual
innervation
dilator pupillae outer margin of inner margin of iris dilates the pupil sympathetic ophthalmic a. none
iris fibers via short
ciliary nerves,
synapsing in
superior cervical
sympathetic
ganglion
epicranius frontalis: galea frontalis: skin of elevates the frontalis: frontalis: the frontalis and
aponeurotica; the eyebrows; eyebrows and temporal supraorbital and occipitalis muscles
occipitalis: occipitalis: galea wrinkles the branches of the supratrochlear aa.; are two bellies of
superior nuchal aponeurotica forehead facial nerve occipitalis: the epicranius
line (VII); occipital a. muscle; also known
occipitalis: as: occipitofrontalis
posterior m.
auricular branch
of the facial
nerve (VII)
frontalis galea aponeurotica skin of the elevates the temporal supraorbital and frontalis is the
eyebrow eyebrows and branches of the supratrochlear aa. anterior belly of the
wrinkles the facial nerve epicranius muscle
forehead (VII)
genioglossus mental spine on fans out to insert protrudes the hypoglossal lingual a. an extrinsic muscle
the inner aspect of into the tongue tongue (inferior nerve (XII) of the tongue; XII
the mental from the tip to the fibers); depresses innervates all
symphysis base tongue (middle tongue muscles
fibers) except
palatoglossus
[innervated by
vagus (X), as are
most of the palate
and pharynx
muscles];
genioglossus is
used to test the
function of cranial
nerve XII
geniohyoid mental spines of body of the hyoid elevates the hyoid ventral primary lingual a., thyrohyoid and
the mandible bone bone; depresses the ramus of spinal submental a. geniohyoid receive
mandible nerve C1 via ansa cervicalis
fibers carried by fibers that travel
the hypoglossal with the
nerve hypoglossal nerve
distal to the
superior limb of the
ansa cervicalis
hyoglossus upper border of spreads out into the depresses the sides hypoglossal lingual a. an extrinsic muscle
the greater horn of intrinsic muscles of of the tongue; nerve (XII) of the tongue
the hyoid and the tongue retracts the tongue
body of the hyoid
bone
inferior oblique floor of the orbit sclera on the elevates and oculomotor ophthalmic a. clinicians
 lateral to the inferior surface of abducts the corneal nerve (III), examining the eye
lacrimal groove the eyeball part of the eye; inferior division will ask the patient
rotates the superior to look toward the
pole of the iris bridge of the nose
laterally; when the to test the function
eye is adducted, of this muscle
this muscle
elevates the cornea
inferior pharyngeal oblique line of the midline pharyngeal constricts vagus (X), via ascending the most external
constrictor thyroid cartilage, raphe pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a., of the three
lateral surface of plexus, with aid superior thyroid a., pharyngeal
cricoid cartilage from the superior inferior thyroid a. constructor mm.
laryngeal and
recurrent
laryngeal nerves
inferior rectus common sclera on the depresses and oculomotor ophthalmic a. because this muscle
tendinous ring at inferior surface of adducts the corneal nerve (III), approaches the
the apex of the the eyeball part of the eyeball; inferior division eyeball from a
orbit rotates the superior medial direction, it
pole of the iris has a rotational
laterally action on the iris
lateral arch of the cricoid muscular process draws the muscular inferior superior laryngeal an antagonist of the
cricoarytenoid cartilage of the arytenoid process of the laryngeal nerve, a., cricothyroid posterior
cartilage arytenoid cartilage from the branch of the cricoarytenoid m.;
anteriorly, which recurrent superior thyroid a. the arteries that
pivots the laryngeal nerve, supply the larynx
arytenoid cartilage a branch of the anastomose within
and adducts the vagus nerve (X) the larynx to
vocal folds supply the mucous
membranes and
 muscles
lateral pterygoid superior head: superior head: protracts the lateral pterygoid pterygoid branch of the only one of the
greater wing of capsule and & mandible; opens branch of the the maxillary a. muscles of
the sphenoid bone; articular disk of the the mouth; active mandibular mastication that
inferior head: temporomandibula in grinding actions division of the opens the mouth;
lateral surface of r joint; inferior of chewing trigeminal nerve the superior head
the lateral head: neck of the (V) of lateral pterygoid
pterygoid plate mandible is sometimes called
sphenomeniscus
due to its insertion
into the disc of the
temporomandibular
joint
lateral rectus common sclera on the lateral abducts the corneal abducens nerve ophthalmic a. loss of function of
tendinous ring at surface of the part of the eyeball (VI) the abducens nerve
the apex of the eyeball will cause the eye
orbit to be abducted
levator anguli oris canine fossa of the angle (corner) of elevates the angle buccal branch of infraorbital a., a "smile" muscle
maxilla the mouth of the mouth the facial nerve superior labial
(VII) branch of the facial
a.
levator labii inferior margin of skin of the upper elevates the upper buccal branch of infraorbital a., levator labii
superioris the orbit lip lip the facial nerve superior labial superioris is used
(VII) branch of the facial to bare the upper
a. incisor teeth, as in
a sneer
levator labii frontal process of ala of the nose and elevates the upper buccal branch of infraorbital a., none
superioris alaque the maxilla skin of the upper lip and flares the the facial nerve superior labial
nasi lip nostril (VII) branch of the facial
 a.
levator palpebrae apex of the orbit skin and fascia of elevates the upper oculomotor ophthalmic a. fibers inserting into
superioris above the optic upper eyelid and eyelid nerve (III) and the superior tarsal
canal the superior tarsal sympathetics (to plate are called
plate the superior superior tarsal
tarsal portion) muscle and are
smooth muscle;
lesion of the
sympathetic supply
causes slight ptosis
(drooping of the
eyelid)
levator scapulae transverse medial border of elevates scapula dorsal scapular dorsal scapular a. named for its
processes of C1-4 the scapula from nerve (C5); the action
vertebrae the superior angle upper part of the
to the spine muscle receives
branches of C3
& C4 spinal
nerves
levator veli palatini apex of the muscles and fascia elevates the soft vagus nerve (X) ascending a derivative of the
petrous part of the of the soft palate; palate via the pharyngeal a. fourth pharyngeal
temporal bone and palatine pharyngeal arch
the medial surface aponeurosis plexus
of the auditory
tube cartilage
linguae, within tongue within tongue near shapes the tongue hypoglossal lingual a. an intrinsic muscle
longitudinalis the apex for speech and nerve (XII) of the tongue;
mastication longitudinalis has
superior and
 inferior
subdivisions that
span the length of
the tongue
linguae, transversus within tongue within tongue compresses the hypoglossal lingual a. an intrinsic muscle
sides of the nerve (XII) of the tongue
tongue; shapes the whose fibers run
tongue for speech transversely
and mastication
linguae, verticalis within tongue within tongue shapes the tongue hypoglossal lingual a. an intrinsic muscle
for speech and nerve (XII) of the tongue
mastication whose fibers run
superoinferiorly
longus capitis anterior tubercles basilar portion of flex the head and cervical plexus, deep cervical a. none
of vertebrae C3-6 the occipital bone neck ventral primary
rami of spinal
nerves C1-4
longus colli anterior tubercles anterior arch of flex neck, rotate cervical and deep cervical a. none
and anterior atlas, anterior and laterally bend brachial plexus,
surfaces of the tubercles of C5-6, neck C2-7
bodies of anterior surfaces of
vertebrae C3-T3 bodies of vertebrae
C2-4
masseter zygomatic arch lateral surface of elevates the nerve to the masseteric branch a powerful chewing
and zygomatic the ramus and mandible masseter, from of the maxillary a. muscle
bone angle of the the mandibular
mandible division of the
trigeminal nerve
(V)
medial pterygoid medial surface of medial surface of elevates and medial pterygoid pterygoid branch of this muscle mirrors
the lateral the ramus and protracts the branch of the the maxillary a. the masseter m. in
pterygoid plate, angle of the mandible mandibular position and action
pyramidal process mandible division of the with the ramus of
of the palatine trigeminal nerve the mandible
bone, tuberosity of (V) between the two
the maxilla mm.
medial rectus common sclera on the adducts the corneal oculomotor ophthalmic a. this muscle directly
tendinous ring at medial surface of part of the eyeball nerve (III) opposes the action
the apex of the the eyeball (inferior of the lateral rectus
orbit division) m.
mentalis anterior surface of skin of the chin elevates the skin of marginal mental a., inferior mentalis has no
the mandible near chin mandibular labial branch of the direct action on the
the mental branch of the facial a. oral aperture
symphysis facial nerve
(midline) (VII)
middle pharyngeal lesser and greater midline pharyngeal constricts the vagus (X), via ascending of the three
constrictor horns of the hyoid raphe pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a. pharyngeal
bone and the plexus constrictors, this
inferior part of the one is intermediate
stylohyoid in both
ligament superior/inferior
position and depth
middle scalene posterior tubercles upper surface of elevates the first brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the first rib behind rib; flexes and C3-C8 a. respiration
processes of the subclavian laterally bends the (inspiratory); also
vertebrae C2-C7 artery neck called scalenus
medius; penetrated
by the dorsal
 scapular n. and
long thoracic n.
musculus uvulae posterior nasal mucosa of the shortens the uvula vagus nerve (X) lesser palatine a. the soft palate and
spine uvula via pharyngeal uvula resist the
plexus upward pressure of
the tongue during
swallowing
mylohyoid mylohyoid line of midline raphe and elevates the hyoid mylohyoid nerve mylohyoid branch the nerve to
mandible body of the hyoid bone and the from the inferior of the inferior mylohyoid also
bone tongue; depresses alveolar nerve, a alveolar a. innervates the
the mandible branch of the anterior belly of
mandibular digastric m.; both
division of the muscles are
trigeminal nerve derivatives of the
(V) second pharygneal
arch
nasalis maxilla above the ala of the nose and flattens the nose, buccal branch of superior labial nasalis has two
incisor teeth and midline flare the nostrils the facial nerve branch of the facial subsidiary parts:
the canine teeth aponeurosis (VII) a. nasalis pars alaris
and pars transversa
nasalis pars alaris maxilla above the ala of the nose flares the nostrils buccal branch of superior labial a subdivision of the
canine teeth facial nerve branch of the facial nasalis m.
(VII) a.
nasalis pars maxilla above the midline flattens the nose buccal branch of superior labial a subdivision of the
transversa incisor teeth aponeurosis facial nerve branch of the facial nasalis m.
(VII) a.
oblique arytenoid muscular process posterior surface of draws arytenoid inferior laryngeal br. of the the oblique
of the arytenoid the contralateral cartilages together, laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. arytenoid m. lies
 cartilage arytenoid cartilage, adducting the from recurrent posterior to the
near its apex vocal folds laryngeal nerve, transverse
a branch of the arytenoid m.; the
of vagus (X) arytenoideus is
often considered to
be one muscle with
oblique and
transverse fibers
oblique, inferior floor of the orbit sclera on the elevates and oculomotor ophthalmic a. clinicians
lateral to the inferior surface of abducts the corneal nerve (III), examining the eye
lacrimal groove the eyeball part of the eye; inferior division will ask the patient
rotates the superior to look toward the
pole of the iris bridge of the nose
laterally; when the to test the function
eye is adducted, of this muscle
this muscle
elevates the cornea
oblique, superior apex of the orbit sclera on the depresses and trochlear nerve ophthalmic a. passes through a
above the optic posterior superior abducts the (IV) fibrocartilagenous
canal surface of the eyeball; rotates the pulley known as
eyeball superior pole of the trochlea; when
the iris medially the eye is adducted,
this muscle moves
the cornea
inferiorly
occipitalis superior nuchal galea aponeurotica pulls the scalp posterior occipital a. occipitalis is the
line posteriorly; auricular branch posterior belly of
elevates the of the facial the epicranius
eyebrows nerve (VII) muscle
occipitofrontalis frontalis: galea frontalis: skin of elevates the frontalis: frontalis: the frontalis and
aponeurotica; the eyebrows; eyebrows and temporal supraorbital and occipitalis muscles
occipitalis: occipitalis: galea wrinkles the branches of the supratrochlear aa.; are two bellies of
superior nuchal aponeurotica forehead facial nerve occipitalis: the
line (VII); occipital a. occipitofrontalis
occipitalis: muscle; also known
posterior as: epicranius m.
auricular branch
of the facial
nerve (VII)
omohyoid inferior belly: inferior belly: depresses/stabilize ansa cervicalis transverse cervical the intermediate
upper border of intermediate s the hyoid bone a. tendon of
the scapula medial tendon; superior omohyoid is
to the scapular belly: lower border tethered to the
notch; superior of the hyoid bone clavicle by a fascial
belly: intermediate lateral to the sling
tendon sternohyoid
insertion
orbicularis oculi orbital part: orbital part: skin of closes the eyelids temporal & supraorbital a., activated
medial orbital the lateral cheek; zygomatic supratrochlear a., involuntarily in the
margin and the palpebral part: branches of the infraorbital a., blink reflex; the
medial palpebral lateral palpebral facial nerve angular branch of palpebral part is
ligament; raphe (VII) the facial a. active in normal
palpebral part: blinking and the
medial palpebral orbital part is used
ligament to forcefully close
the eye
orbicularis oris skin and fascia of skin and fascia of purses the lips buccal branch of superior and the "kissing"
lips and the area the lips the facial nerve inferior labial muscle
surrounding the (VII) branches of the
 lips facial a., mental a.,
infraorbital a.
palatoglossus palatine side of the tongue, elevates and vagus nerve (X) tonsilar branch of although
aponeurosis entering it from retracts the tongue via the the facial a., palatoglossus
above pharyngeal ascending sounds like a
plexus pharyngeal a. tongue muscle (and
would therefore be
innervated by XII),
it is a palatal
muscle innervated
by X
palatopharyngeus posterior margin posterior wall of elevates the larynx vagus nerve (X) ascending palatopharyngeus
of the bony palate the pharynx and via pharyngeal pharyngeal a. is part of the inner
and the palatine the posterior plexus longitudinal muscle
aponeurosis margin of the layer of the
thyroid cartilage pharynx
platysma fascia overlying inferior border of draws the corners cervical branch facial a. platysma is derived
the pectoralis the mandible and of the mouth of the facial from the
major and deltoid skin of lower face down; it aids in nerve (VII) mesenchyme of the
muscles depression of the second pharyngeal
mandible arch
posterior posterior surface muscular process draws the muscular inferior superior laryngeal the posterior
cricoarytenoid of the lamina of of the arytenoid process laryngeal nerve, a., cricothyroid cricoarytenoid is
the cricoid cartilage posteriorly, which from the branch of the the only ABductor
cartilage pivots the recurrent superior thyroid a. of the vocal folds;
arytenoid cartilage laryngeal nerve, the arteries that
and abducts the a branch of the supply the larynx
vocal folds vagus nerve (X) anastomose within
the larynx to
 supply the mucous
membranes and
muscles
posterior scalene posterior tubercles lateral surface of elevates the second brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the second rib rib; flexes and C7-C8 a. respiration
processes of laterally bends the (inspiratory); it is
vertebrae C5-C7 neck the longest of the
scalene muscles
procerus nasal bone skin between the depresses the temporal branch supratrochlear a. none
eyebrows medial corners of of the facial
the eyebrows nerve (VII)
pterygoid, lateral superior head: superior head: protracts the lateral pterygoid pterygoid branch of the only one of the
greater wing of capsule and & mandible; opens branch of the the maxillary a. muscles of
the sphenoid bone; articular disk of the the mouth; active mandibular mastication that
inferior head: temporomandibula in grinding actions division of the opens the mouth;
lateral surface of r joint; inferior of chewing trigeminal nerve the superior head
the lateral head: neck of the (V) of lateral pterygoid
pterygoid plate mandible is sometimes called
sphenomeniscus
due to its insertion
into the disc of the
temporomandibular
joint
pterygoid, medial medial surface of medial surface of elevates and medial pterygoid pterygoid branch of this muscle mirrors
the lateral the ramus and protracts the branch of the the maxillary a. the masseter m. in
pterygoid plate, angle of the mandible mandibular position and action
pyramidal process mandible division of the with the ramus of
of the palatine trigeminal nerve the mandible
bone, tuberosity of (V) between the two
 the maxilla mm.
pupillae, dilator outer margin of inner margin of iris dilates the pupil sympathetic ophthalmic a. none
iris fibers via short
ciliary nerves,
synapsing in
superior cervical
sympathetic
ganglion
pupillae, sphincter encircles iris encircles iris constricts the pupil parasympathetic ophthalmic a. none
fibers of
oculomotor
nerve (III),
synapsing in
ciliary ganglion
rectus capitis lateral mass of basilar portion of flexes the head ventral primary deep cervical a. none
anterior atlas occipital bone ramus of spinal
nerve C1
rectus capitis transverse process occipital bone laterally bends the ventral primary deep cervical a. none
lateralis of atlas anterolateral to head ramus of spinal
foramen magnum nerve C1
rectus, inferior common sclera on the depresses and oculomotor ophthalmic a. because this muscle
tendinous ring at inferior surface of adducts the corneal nerve (III), approaches the
the apex of the the eyeball part of the eyeball; inferior division eyeball from a
orbit rotates the superior medial direction, it
pole of the iris has a rotational
laterally action on the iris
rectus, lateral common sclera on the lateral abducts the corneal abducens nerve ophthalmic a. loss of function of
tendinous ring at surface of the part of the eyeball (VI) the abducens nerve
 the apex of the eyeball will cause the eye
orbit to be abducted
rectus, medial common sclera on the adducts the corneal oculomotor ophthalmic a. this muscle directly
tendinous ring at medial surface of part of the eyeball nerve (III) opposes the action
the apex of the the eyeball (inferior of the lateral rectus
orbit division) m.
rectus, superior common sclera on the elevates and oculomotor ophthalmic a. because this muscle
tendinous ring at superior surface of adducts the nerve (III), approaches the eye
the apex of the the eyeball eyeball; rotates the superior division from a medial
orbit superior pole of position, it causes
the iris medially the iris to rotate
medially
risorius fascia of the skin of the angle draws the corner of buccal branches transverse facial a., risorius is active in
lateral cheek (corner) of the the mouth laterally of the facial facial a. expressions of
mouth nerve (VII) mirth
salpingopharyngeus inferior surface of pharyngeal wall elevates the larynx vagus nerve (X) ascending like other muscles
the anteromedial and superior border via the pharyngeal a. of the pharyngeal
end of the of the thyroid pharyngeal wall,
auditory tube cartilage along plexus salpingopharyngeu
cartilage with the s is derived from
palatopharyngeus the fourth
m. pharyngeal arch
scalene, anterior anterior tubercles scalene tubercle of elevates the first brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the first rib rib; flexes and C5-C7 a., a branch of the inspiration; an
processes of laterally bends the thyrocervical trunk important landmark
vertebrae C3-C6 neck of the neck; it is
located between the
subclavian vein and
the subclavian
 artery; the roots of
the brachial plexus
pass posterior to it;
the phrenic nerve
crosses its anterior
surface
scalene, middle posterior tubercles upper surface of elevates the first brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the first rib behind rib; flexes and C3-C8 a. respiration
processes of the subclavian laterally bends the (inspiratory); also
vertebrae C2-C7 artery neck called scalenus
medius; penetrated
by the dorsal
scapular n. and
long thoracic n.
scalene, posterior posterior tubercles lateral surface of elevates the second brachial plexus, ascending cervical a muscle of
of the transverse the second rib rib; flexes and C7-C8 a. respiration
processes of laterally bends the (inspiratory); it is
vertebrae C5-C7 neck the longest of the
scalene muscles
sphenomeniscus greater wing of capsule and pulls the articular lateral pterygoid pterygoid branch of sphenomeniscus is
the sphenoid articular disk of the disk forward in branch of the maxillary a. another name for
temporomandibula opening of the mandibular the superior belly
r joint mouth division of of the lateral
trigeminal nerve pterygoid m.
(V)
sphincter pupillae encircles iris encircles iris constricts the pupil parasympathetic ophthalmic a. none
fibers of
oculomotor
nerve (III),
 synapsing in
ciliary ganglion
splenius ligamentum capitis: mastoid extends and dorsal primary supplied splenius means
nuchae and spines process & superior laterally bends rami of spinal segmentally by: bandage; it gets its
C7-T6 nuchal line neck and head; nerves C2-6 deep cervical a., name from its
laterally; cervicis: rotates head to posterior intercostal broad, flat shape
posterior tubercles same side aa.
of C1-3
stapedius walls of the neck of the stapes dampens vibration facial nerve anterior tympanic entirely enclosed in
pyramidal of the stapes (VII) a. bone, except for its
eminence tendon; a derivative
of the second
pharyngeal arch
sternocleidomastoi sternal head: mastoid process draws the mastoid spinal accessory sternocleidomastoi carotid sheath
d anterior surface of and lateral 1/2 of process down nerve (XI), with d branch of the structures lie deep
the manubrium; the superior nuchal toward the same sensory supply occipital a. to it
clavicular head: line side which causes from C2 & C3
medial 1/3rd of the chin to turn up (for
the clavicle toward the proprioception)
opposite side;
acting together, the
muscles of the two
sides flex the neck
sternohyoid posterior surfaces lower border of the depresses/stabilize ansa cervicalis superior thyroid a. sternohyoid
of both the hyoid bone, medial s the hyoid bone overlies the
manubrium and to the omohyoid m. sternothyroid and
sternal end of the insertion thyrohyoid mm.
clavicle
sternothyroid posterior surface oblique line of the depresses/stabilize ansa cervicalis superior thyroid a. sternothyroid lies
 of the manubrium thyroid cartilage s the hyoid bone deep to the
below the origin sternohyoid m.
of the sternohyoid
m.
styloglossus anterior side of the posterolateral side retracts and hypoglossal ascending an extrinsic muscle
styloid process of the tongue elevates the tongue nerve (XII) pharyngeal a., of the tongue
ascending palatine
branch of the facial
a.
stylohyoid posterior side of splits around the elevates and facial nerve ascending facial nerve
the styloid process intermediate retracts the hyoid (VII) pharyngeal a. innervates both the
tendon of the bone stylohyoid m. and
digastric m. to the posterior belly
insert on the body of the digastric m.
of the hyoid bone shortly after exiting
from the
stylomastoid
foramen
stylopharyngeus medial side of the superior border of elevates the larynx glossopharyngea ascending stylopharyngeus,
styloid process the thyroid l nerve (IX) pharyngeal a. the only muscle
cartilage and also innervated by IX, is
into the pharyngeal the only muscle of
wall the pharyngeal wall
NOT innervated by
the vagus (X)
nerve; it is a
derivative of the
third pharyngeal
arch
superior oblique apex of the orbit sclera on the depresses and trochlear nerve ophthalmic a. passes through a
above the optic posterior superior abducts the (IV) fibrocartilagenous
canal surface of the eyeball; rotates the pulley known as
eyeball superior pole of the trochlea; when
the iris medially the eye is adducted,
this muscle moves
the cornea
inferiorly
superior pharyngeal medial pterygoid pharyngeal constricts the vagus (X), via ascending the most internal of
constrictor plate, pterygoid tubercle and pharyngeal cavity the pharyngeal pharyngeal a. the three
hamulus, midline pharyngeal plexus pharyngeal
pterygomandibula raphe constructor mm.
r raphe,
mylohyoid line of
mandible
superior rectus common sclera on the elevates and oculomotor ophthalmic a. because this muscle
tendinous ring at superior surface of adducts the nerve (III), approaches the eye
the apex of the the eyeball eyeball; rotates the superior division from a medial
orbit superior pole of position, it causes
the iris medially the iris to rotate
medially
temporalis temporal fossa and coronoid process elevates the anterior and anterior and a powerful chewing
the temporal of the mandible mandible; retracts posterior deep posterior deep muscle; a
fascia and the anterior the mandible temporal nerves temporal aa. derivative of the
surface of the (posterior fibers) from the first pharyngeal
ramus of the mandibular arch
mandible division of the
trigeminal nerve
(V)
tensor tympani cartilagenous manubrium of the dampens medial pterygoid superior tympanic V3 innervates both
auditory tube and malleus vibrations of the branch of the branch of the tensor muscles of
the greater wing tympanic mandibular middle meningeal the head (tympani
of the sphenoid membrane division of the a. and veli palatini)
bone which lies trigeminal nerve which are
adjacent to it (V) derivatives of the
first pharyngeal
arch
tensor veli palatini scaphoid fossa, palatine opens the auditory mandibular ascending remember: V3
lateral wall of the aponeurosis tube; tenses the division of the pharyngeal a. innervates both
auditory tube soft palate trigeminal nerve tensor muscles
cartilage (V) (tympani and veli
palatini); ALL
other palatal
muscles are
innervated by
vagus
thyroarytenoid inner surface of lateral border of draws the inferior laryngeal branch of its subsidiary parts
the thyroid the arytenoid arytenoid cartilage laryngeal nerve, the superior thyroid are the
cartilage cartilage forward, relaxing from recurrent a. thyroepiglottic m.
anteriorly and adducting the laryngeal nerve, and the vocalis m.;
vocal folds a branch of the the medial most
vagus nerve (X) fibers of
thyroarytenoid that
insert along the
vocal ligament are
called the vocalis
muscle
thyroepiglottic inner surface of lateral surface of draws the inferior laryngeal branch of represents the
the thyroid the epiglottic epiglottic cartilage laryngeal nerve, the superior thyroid superior fibers of
 cartilage near the cartilage downward from recurrent a. thyroarytenoid
laryngeal laryngeal nerve, muscle which fan
prominence a branch of the out to the
vagus nerve (X) quadrangular
membrane and
epiglottis
thyrohyoid oblique line of the lower border of the elevates the larynx; ansa cervicalis superior thyroid a. thyrohyoid lies
thyroid cartilage hyoid bone depresses/stabilize (via fibers deep to the
s the hyoid bone running with the sternohyoid
hypoglossal
nerve that leave
XII distal to the
superior limb of
ansa)
trachealis posterior edge of posterior edge of constricts the preganglionic inferior thyroid a., smooth muscle,
the tracheal the tracheal bronchi and parasympathetic bronchial aa. found in the
cartilage cartilage of other trachea fibers from the submucosal layer
side (joins tracheal vagus (X) nerve
rings posteriorly)
transverse posterior surface posterior surface of draws arytenoid inferior laryngeal br. of the the transverse
arytenoid of the arytenoid the contralateral cartilages together, laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. arytenoid m.lies
cartilage arytenoid cartilage adducting the from recurrent anterior to the
vocal folds laryngeal nerve, oblique arytenoid
a branch of the m.; the
vagus nerve (X) arytenoideus is
often considered to
be one muscle with
oblique and
transverse parts
transverse posterior surface posterior surface of draws arytenoid inferior laryngeal br. of the the transverse
arytenoid of the arytenoid the contralateral cartilages together, laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. arytenoid m.lies
cartilage arytenoid cartilage adducting the from recurrent anterior to the
vocal folds laryngeal nerve, oblique arytenoid
a branch of the m.; the
vagus nerve (X) arytenoideus is
often considered to
be one muscle with
oblique and
transverse parts
vocalis surface of the vocal ligament relaxes segments inferior laryngeal br. of the represents the
thyroid cartilage, of the vocal laryngeal nerve, superior thyroid a. innermost fibers of
vocal process of ligament, thereby from the the thyroarytenoid
the arytenoid adjusting pitch recurrent muscle; the
cartilage laryngeal nerve, cricothyroid m.
a branch of the grossly tenses the
vagus nerve (X) vocal ligaments,
while the vocalis
muscle provides
the mechanism for
fine tuning the
vibrations of the
vocal folds
zygomaticus major upper lateral skin of the angle of elevates and draws zygomatic and transverse facial a., a "smile" muscle
surface of the the mouth the corner of the buccal branches facial a.
zygomatic bone mouth laterally of the facial
nerve (VII)
zygomaticus minor lower surface of lateral part of the elevates the upper buccal branch of transverse facial a., a "smile" muscle
the zygomatic upper lip lip the facial nerve facial a.
bone (VII)
 Muscles of the Thoracic Region - Listed Alphabetically
Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
diaphragm xiphoid process, costal central tendon pushes the phrenic nerve musculophrenic a., left crus attaches to the L1-
margin, fascia over the of the abdominal viscera (C3-C5) superior phrenic a., L2 vertebral bodies, the
quadratus lumborum diaphragm inferiorly, inferior phrenic a. right crus attaches to the
and psoas major increasing the L1-L3 vertebral bodies
mm.(lateral & medial volume of the
arcuate ligaments), thoracic cavity
vertebral bodies L1-L3 (inspiration)
external lower border of a rib upper border of keeps the intercostal intercostal a. 11 in number; they extend
intercostal within an intercostal the rib below, intercostal space nerves (T1- from the tubercle of the rib
space coursing, from blowing out T11) to the costochondral
downward and or sucking in junction; continuous with
medially during respiration the external intercostal
membrane anteriorly
innermost upper borders of a rib fibers course up keeps the intercostal intercostal a. innermost intercostal mm.
intercostal and medially to intercostal space nerves (T1- have the same fiber
insert on the from blowing out T11) direction as the internal
inferior margin or sucking in intercostal mm., the only
of the rib above during respiration difference being that they
lie deep to the intercostal
neurovascular bundle
internal upper border of a rib lower border of keeps the intercostal intercostal a. 11 in number; they extend
intercostal rib above, intercostal space nerves (T1- from the margin of the
coursing up and from blowing out T11) sternum to the angle of the
medially or sucking in rib; continuous posteriorly
during respiration with the internal intercostal
 membrane
levatores transverse processes rib below its elevates the rib dorsal primary deep cervical a., these are fairly small and
costarum C7-T11 origin, medial rami of spinal intercostal aa. insignificant muscles
to the angle nerves C7-T11
subcostalis angle of ribs angle of a rib 2- compresses the intercostal intercostal a. subcostalis, transversus
3 ribs above intercostal spaces nerves thoracis & innermost
origin intercostal mm. make up
the deepest intercostal
muscle layer
transversus posterior surface of the inner surfaces compresses the intercostal internal thoracic a. transversus thoracis,
thoracis sternum of costal thorax for forced nerves 2-6 subcostalis & innermost
cartilages 2-6 expiration intercostal mm. make up
the innermost intercostal
muscle layer

Muscles of the Abdominal Region - Listed Alphabetically

Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
cremaster inguinal ligament forms thin elevates testis genital branch of cremasteric a., a branch the cremaster m. is
network of (not well the genitofemoral of the inferior epigastric internal abdominal
muscle fascicles developed in nerve a. oblique muscle's
around the females) contribution to the
spermatic cord coverings of the
and testis (or spermatic cord and testis;
around the distal the cremasteric reflex
portion of the may be elicited by
round ligament of stroking the medial thigh
the uterus) (where the femoral
 branch of the
genitofemoral n.
distributes cutaneously)
dartos subcutaneous skin of the elevates testis postganglionic cremasteric a., posterior the dartos elevates the
connective tissue scrotum and penis (tenses the sympathetic nerve scrotal (labial) a. testis in response to cold
of the scrotum (or labium majus skin of the fibers arriving via (it is modified arrector
and the penis (or and clitoris) pudendal the ilioinguinal pili fibers, or the goose-
labium majus and region in the nerve and the bump muscles)
clitoris) female) posterior scrotal
nerve
external lower 8 ribs linea alba, pubic flexes and intercostal nerves musculophrenic a., the inguinal ligament is a
abdominal crest & tubercle, laterally 7-11, subcostal, superior epigastric a., specialization of the
oblique anterior superior bends the iliohypogastric intercostal aa. 7-11, external abdominal
iliac spine & trunk and ilioinguinal subcostal a., lumbar aa., oblique aponeurosis; the
anterior half of nerves superficial circumflex external spermatic fascia
iliac crest iliac a., deep circumflex is the external abdominal
iliac a., superficial oblique muscle's
epigastric a., inferior contribution to the
epigastric a., superficial coverings of the testis
external pudendal a. and spermatic cord
interfoveolar transversus anterior lamina of compresses iliohypogastric inferior epigastric a. an inconstant part of the
abdominis fibers femoral sheath, abdominal and ilioinguinal transversus abdominis m.
that lie superficial immediately contents nerves which may be replaced
to the inferior distal to origin of by a ligament
epigastric vessels inferior epigastric (interfoveolar ligament)
vessels
internal thoracolumbar lower 3 or 4 ribs, flexes and intercostal nerves musculophrenic a., anterior fibers of internal
abdominal fascia, anterior linea alba, pubic laterally 7-11, subcostal, superior epigastric a., abdominal oblique
oblique 2/3 of the iliac crest bends the iliohypogastric intercostal aa. 7-11, course up and medially,
 crest, lateral 2/3 trunk and ilioinguinal subcostal a., lumbar aa., perpendicular to the
of the inguinal nerves superficial circumflex fibers of external
ligament iliac a., deep circumflex abdominal oblique; the
iliac a., superficial cremaster muscle and
epigastric a., inferior fascia is the internal
epigastric a., superficial abdominal oblique
external pudendal a. muscle's contribution to
the coverings of the testis
and spermatic cord
oblique, lower 8 ribs linea alba, pubic flexes and intercostal nerves musculophrenic a., the inguinal ligament is a
external crest & tubercle, laterally 7-11, subcostal, superior epigastric a., specialization of the
abdominal anterior superior bends the iliohypogastric intercostal aa. 7-11, external abdominal
iliac spine & trunk and ilioinguinal subcostal a., lumbar aa., oblique aponeurosis; the
anterior half of nerves superficial circumflex external spermatic fascia
iliac crest iliac a., deep circumflex is the external abdominal
iliac a., superficial oblique muscle's
epigastric a., inferior contribution to the
epigastric a., superficial coverings of the testis
external pudendal a. and spermatic cord
oblique, thoracolumbar lower 3 or 4 ribs, flexes and intercostal nerves musculophrenic a., anterior fibers of internal
internal fascia, anterior linea alba, pubic laterally 7-11, subcostal, superior epigastric a., abdominal oblique
abdominal 2/3 of the iliac crest bends the iliohypogastric intercostal aa. 7-11, course up and medially,
crest, lateral 2/3 trunk and ilioinguinal subcostal a., lumbar aa., perpendicular to the
of the inguinal nerves superficial circumflex fibers of external
ligament iliac a., deep circumflex abdominal oblique; the
iliac a., superficial cremaster muscle and
epigastric a., inferior fascia is the internal
epigastric a., superficial abdominal oblique
external pudendal a. muscle's contribution to
the coverings of the testis
 and spermatic cord
psoas major bodies and lesser trochanter flexes the branches of the subcostal a., lumbar aa. the genitofemoral nerve
transverse of femur (with thigh; flexes ventral primary pierces the anterior
processes of iliacus) via & laterally rami of spinal surface of the psoas
lumbar vertebrae iliopsoas tendon bends the nerves L2-L4 major m.
lumbar
vertebral
column
psoas minor bodies of the T12 iliopubic flexes & branches of the lumbar aa. absent in 40% of cases
& L1 vertebrae eminence at the laterally ventral primary
line of junction of bends the rams of spinal
the ilium and the lumbar nerves L1-L2
superior pubic vertebral
ramus column
pyramidalis pubis, anterior to linea alba draws the subcostal nerve subcostal a., inferior the pyramidalis m. is not
the rectus linea alba epigastric a. always present
abdominis inferiorly
quadratus posterior part of transverse laterally subcostal nerve subcostal a., lumbar aa. the lateral arcuate
lumborum the iliac crest and processes of bends the and ventral ligament of the
the iliolumbar lumbar vertebrae trunk, fixes primary rami of diaphragm crosses the
ligament 1-4 and the 12th the 12th rib spinal nerves L1- anterior surface of the
rib L4 quadratus lumborum m.
rectus pubis and the xiphoid process of flexes the intercostal nerves superior epigastric a. rectus sheath contains
abdominis pubic symphysis the sternum and trunk 7-11 and subcostal intercostal aa., subcostal rectus abdominis and is
costal cartilages nerve a., inferior epigastric a. formed by the
5-7 aponeuroses of external
and internal oblique and
transversus abdominis
mm.
transversus lower 6 ribs, linea alba, pubic compresses intercostal nerves musculophrenic a., transversus abdominis
abdominis thoracolumbar crest and pecten the abdomen 7-11, subcostal, superior epigastric a., muscle does not
fascia, anterior of the pubis iliohypogastric intercostal aa. 7-11, contribute to the
3/4 of the iliac and ilioinguinal subcostal a., lumbar aa., coverings of the
crest, lateral 1/3 nerves superficial circumflex spermatic cord and testis;
of inguinal iliac a., deep circumflex transversalis fascia, the
ligament iliac a., superficial deep fascia that covers
epigastric a., inferior the inner surface of the
epigastric a., superficial transversus abdominis,
external pudendal a. forms the internal
spermatic fascia

Muscles of the Pelvis and Perineum - Listed Alphabetically

Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
anal sphincter, perineal body or encircles the anal constricts the inferior rectal nerves inferior skeletal (voluntary) muscle,
external central tendinous canal; superficial anal canal (from the pudendal rectal a. as contrasted with sphincter
point of the fibers attach to the nerve) ani internus, which is
perineum coccyx smooth (involuntary)
muscle; the external anal
sphincter is considered part
of the pelvic diaphragm
anal sphincter, encircles the anal encircles the anal constricts the parasympathetic middle smooth muscle
internal canal canal anal canal fibers from S4 rectal a. (involuntary), as contrasted
with sphincter ani externus,
which is skeletal muscle
(voluntary)
bulbospongiosus, perineal body and perineal membrane compresses the deep branch of the perineal a. skeletal muscle
in female fascia of the bulb and corpus vestibular bulb perineal nerve (from
 of the vestibule cavernosum of the and constricts pudendal nerve)
clitoris the vaginal
orifice
bulbospongiosus, central tendinous perineal membrane, compresses the deep branch of the perineal a. expels the last drops of
in male point and the dorsal surface of bulb of the penis, perineal nerve (from urine from urethra; expels
midline raphe on the corpus compresses the pudendal nerve) semen during ejaculation
the bulb of the spongiosum, deep spongy urethra
penis penile fascia
coccygeus ischial spine side of the coccyx elevates the branches of the inferior coccygeus and levator ani
and lower sacrum pelvic floor ventral primary rami gluteal a. combined form the pelvic
of spinal nerves S3- diaphragm
S4
deep transverse medial surface of contralateral fixes and deep branch of internal superficial and deep
perineus the ischial ramus muscle and perineal stabilizes the perineal nerve from pudendal transverse perineus muscles
body/central perineal pudendal nerve a. are separated by the
tendinous point body/central perineal membrane
tendinous point
detruser of smooth muscle in fascicles are compresses the parasympathetic superior muscles in the neck of
bladder the wall of the arranged roughly in urinary bladder nerve fibers from the and bladder must contract and
urinary bladder three layers pelvic splanchnic inferior cause the internal urethral
nerves (S2-S4 spinal vesical aa. orifice to open before the
cord levels) detruser muscle can void
the bladder
iliococcygeus arcus tendineus anococcygeal raphe elevates the branches of the inferior the combination of
levator ani and the and the coccyx pelvic floor ventral primary rami gluteal a. puborectalis,
ischial spine of spinal nerves S3- pubococcygeus and
S4 iliococcygeus is called the
levator ani m.
ischiocavernosus medial surface of corpus cavernosum compresses the deep branch of the perineal a. ischiocavernosus m. is
the ischial and crus of the corpus perineal nerve (from closely applied to the
tuberosity and the penis/clitoris cavernosum pudendal nerve) surface of the crus
ischiopubic ramus penis/clitoris
levator ani posterior surface anococcygeal raphe elevates the branches of the inferior the combination of
of the body of the and coccyx pelvic floor ventral primary rami gluteal a. puborectalis,
pubis, fascia of the of spinal nerves S3- pubococcygeus &
obturator internus S4 iliococcygeus is the levator
m. (arcus ani m.; coccygeus and
tendineus levator levator ani combined form
ani), ischial spine the pelvic diaphragm
levator prostatae posterior aspect of fascia of the elevates the branches of the inferior levator prostatae is part of
the pubis prostate prostate ventral primary rami gluteal a. the puborectalis m.
of spinal nerves S3-
S4
pubococcygeus posterior aspect of coccyx elevates the branches of the inferior the combination of
the superior pubic pelvic floor ventral primary rami gluteal a. puborectalis,
ramis of spinal nerves S3- pubococcygeus and
S4 iliococcygeus is called the
levator ani m.
puborectalis posterior aspect of unites with the draws the distal branches of the inferior the combination of
the body of the puborectalis m. of rectum forward ventral primary rami gluteal a. puborectalis,
pubis other side posterior and superiorly; of spinal nerves S3- pubococcygeus and
to the rectum aids in voluntary S4 iliococcygeus is called the
retention of feces levator ani m.
pubovaginalis posterior aspect of fascia of the vagina draws the vagina branches of the inferior pubovaginalis is part of the
the body of the and perineal body forward and ventral primary rami gluteal a. levator ani muscle
pubis superiorly of spinal nerves S3-
S4
sphincter ani perineal body or encircles the anal constricts the inferior rectal nerves inferior skeletal (voluntary) muscle,
externus central tendinous canal; superficial anal canal (from the pudendal rectal a. as contrasted with sphincter
point of the fibers attach to the nerve) ani internus, which is
perineum coccyx smooth (involuntary)
muscle; the external anal
sphincter is considered part
of the pelvic diaphragm
sphincter ani encircles the anal encircles the anal constricts the parasympathetic middle smooth muscle
internus canal canal anal canal fibers from S4 rectal a. (involuntary), as contrasted
with sphincter ani externus,
which is skeletal muscle
(voluntary)
sphincter encircles the encircles urethra compresses deep branch of internal skeletal muscle
urethrae, in urethra and vagina; extends urethra and perineal nerve from pudendal
female superiorly along the vagina pudendal nerve a.
urethra as far as the
inferior surface of
the bladder
sphincter encircles the encircles urethra, compresses deep branch of internal skeletal muscle
urethrae, in male urethra reaches lateral urethra perineal nerve from pudendal
surface of prostate pudendal nerve a.
and inferior bladder
superficial medial surface of contralateral fixes and deep branch of perineal a. superficial and deep
transverse the ischial ramus muscle and the stabilizes perineal nerve from transverse perineus muscles
perineus perineal perineal pudendal nerve are separated by the
body/central body/central perineal membrane
tendinous point tendinous point
transverse medial surface of contralateral fixes and deep branch of internal superficial and deep
perineus, deep the ischial ramus muscle and perineal stabilizes the perineal nerve from pudendal transverse perineus muscles
 body/central perineal pudendal nerve a. are separated by the
tendinous point body/central perineal membrane
tendinous point
transverse medial surface of contralateral fixes and deep branch of perineal a. superficial and deep
perineus, the ischial ramus muscle and the stabilizes perineal nerve from transverse perineus muscles
superficial perineal perineal pudendal nerve are separated by the
body/central body/central perineal membrane
tendinous point tendinous point

Muscles of the Lower Limb - Listed Alphabetically

Muscle Origin Insertion Action Innervation Artery Notes
abductor digiti medial and lateral side of the abducts the 5th toe; lateral plantar lateral abductor digiti minimi
minimi (foot) lateral sides of base of the flexes the nerve plantar a. forms the lateral margin
the tuberosity of proximal phalanx metatarsophalageal joint of the sole of the foot
the calcaneus of the 5th digit
abductor hallucis medial side of medial side of the abducts the great toe; medial plantar medial abductor hallucis forms
the tuberosity of base of the flexes the nerve plantar a. the medial margin of the
calcaneus proximal phalanx metatarsophalageal joint sole of the foot
of the great toe
(hallux)
adductor brevis inferior pubic pectineal line and adducts, flexes, and anterior division obturator a., anterior and posterior
ramus linea aspera (deep medially rotates the of the obturator deep divisions of the
to the pectineus femur nerve femoral a. obturator nerve lie on
and adductor the anterior and
longus mm.) posterior surfaces of
adductor brevis
adductor hallucis oblique head: lateral side of base adducts the great toe deep branch of plantar the plantar arterial arch
 bases of of the proximal (moves it toward the lateral arterial arch passes superior to the
metatarsals 2-4; phalanx of the midline of the foot; plantar nerve oblique head of
transverse head: great toe i.e.toward the 2nd digit) adductor hallucis
heads of
metatarsals 3-5
adductor longus medial portion linea aspera of the adducts, flexes, and anterior division obturator a., the most anterior of the
of the superior femur medially rotates the of the obturator deep adductor group of
pubic ramus femur nerve femoral a. muscles
adductor magnus ischiopubic linea aspera of the adducts, flexes, and posterior obturator a., the ischiocondylar part
ramus and femur; the medially rotates the division of the deep of adductor magnus is a
ischial tuberosity ischiocondylar part femur; extends the obturator nerve; femoral a., hamstring muscle by
inserts on the femur (ischiocondylar tibial nerve medial embryonic origin and
adductor tubercle part) (ischiocondylar femoral action, so it is
of the femur part) circumflex innervated by the tibial
a. nerve
obturator a.,
gluteal ridge and medial
lower portion of posterior adductor minimus m. is
upper part of the adducts and laterally femoral
adductor minimus the inferior division of the the uppermost fibers of
linea aspera of the rotates the femur circumflex
pubic ramus obturator nerve the adductor magnus m.
femur a., deep
femoral a.
articularis genu anterior surface articular capsule of elevates the articular femoral nerve descending articularis genu is
of the femur the knee capsule of the knee joint genicular a. formed by muscle
above the fascicles deep to the
patellar surface vastus intermedius m.
biceps femoris long head: head of fibula and extends the thigh, flexes long head: tibial perforating one of the "hamstring"
ischial lateral condyle of the leg nerve; short branches of muscles
tuberosity; short the tibia head: common the deep
head: lateral lip fibular femoral a.
 of the linea (peroneal) nerve
aspera
dorsal shafts of bases of the abduct digits 2-4 (move deep branch of dorsal four in number;
interosseous (foot) adjacent proximal these digits away from the lateral metatarsal remember DAB (Dorsal
metatarsal bones phalanges for digit midline as defined by a plantar nerve aa. interossei ABduct) and
2 (both sides) & plane passing through PAD (Plantar interossei
digits 3,4 (lateral the 2nd digit); flex the ADduct), then logic can
side) metatarsophalangeal tell you where these
joints and extend the muscles insert
interphalangeal joints of
those digits
extensor digitorum superolateral extensor expansion extends toes 1-4 deep fibular dorsalis the part of the extensor
brevis surface of the of toes 1-4 (peroneal) nerve pedis a. digitorum brevis that
calcaneus goes to the great toe is
called the extensor
hallucis brevis m.
extensor digitorum lateral condyle dorsum of the extends the deep fibular anterior one of the muscles
longus of the tibia, lateral 4 toes via metatarsophalangeal, (peroneal) nerve tibial a. involved in anterior
anterior surface extensor proximal compartment syndrome
of the fibula, expansions interphalangeal and
lateral portion of (central slip inserts distal interphalangeal
the interosseous on base of middle joints of the lateral 4
membrane phalanx, lateral toes
slips on base of
distal phalanx)
extensor hallucis superolateral dorsum of base of extends the great toe deep fibular dorsalis usually considered to be
brevis surface of the proximal phalanx (peroneal) nerve pedis a. the medial-most part of
calcaneus of the great toe the extensor digitorum
brevis m.
extensor hallucis middle half of base of the distal extends the deep fibular anterior one of the muscles
longus the anterior phalanx of the metatarsophalangeal (peroneal) nerve tibial a. involved in anterior
surface of the great toe interphalangeal joints of compartment syndrome
fibula and the the great toe
interosseous
membrane
fibularis lower one third tuberosity of the extends (plantar flexes) superficial fibular stress fracture of the
(peroneus) brevis of the lateral base of the 5th and everts the foot fibular (peroneal) base of the 5th
surface of the metatarsal (peroneal) nerve a. metatarsal bone is a
fibula common runner's injury
fibularis upper two/thirds after crossing the extends (plantar flexes) superficial fibular fibularis longus lies
(peroneus) longus of the lateral plantar surface of and everts the foot fibular (peroneal) superficial to the
surface of the the foot deep to the (peroneal) nerve a. fibularis brevis m. in the
fibula intrinsic muscles, lateral compartment of
it inserts on the the leg
medial cuneiform
and the base of the
1st metatarsal bone
fibularis distal part of the dorsum of the everts the foot deep fibular anterior fibularis tertius is in the
(peroneus) tertius anterior surface shaft of the 5th (peroneal) nerve tibial a. anterior compartment of
of the fibula metatarsal bone the leg, not the lateral
compartment (which
contains fibularis longus
and brevis)
flexor digiti base of 5th lateral side of base flexes the lateral plantar lateral none
minimi brevis metatarsal bone of proximal metatarsophalangeal nerve plantar a.
(foot) phalanx of 5th joint of the 5th digit
digit
flexor digitorum tuberosity of the base of the middle flexes the medial plantar medial and flexor digitorum brevis
brevis calcaneus, phalanx of digits metatarsophalangeal & nerve lateral in the foot is equivalent
plantar 2-5 after splitting proximal plantar aa. to the flexor digitorum
aponeurosis, to allow passage of interphalangeal joints of superficialis m. of the
intermuscular the flexor digits 2-5 arm
septae digitorum longus
tendons
flexor digitorum middle half of bases of the distal flexes the tibial nerve tibial a. flexor digitorum longus
longus the posterior phalanges of digits metatarsophalangeal, in the leg is equivalent
surface of the 2-5 proximal to the flexor digitorum
tibia interphalangeal and profundus m. of the arm
distal interphalangeal
joints of digits 2-5;
plantar flexes the foot
flexor hallucis cuboid, lateral medial belly: flexes the medial plantar medial each tendon of insertion
brevis cuneiform, medial side of metatarsophalangeal nerve (lateral plantar a. contains a sesamoid
medial side of proximal phalanx joint of the great toe belly bone
the first of the great toe; occasionally
metatarsal lateral belly: receives
lateral side of the innervation from
proximal phalanx the lateral
of the great toe plantar nerve)
flexor hallucis lower 2/3 of the base of the distal flexes the tibial nerve fibular flexor hallucis longus is
longus posterior surface phalanx of the metatarsophalangeal and (peroneal) very important in the
of the fibula great toe proximal a. and tibial "push off" part of the
interphalangeal joints of a. normal gait
the great toe; plantar
flexes the foot
gastrocnemius femur; medial dorsum of the flexes leg; plantar flexes tibial nerve sural aa. the calcaneal tendon of
head: above the calcaneus via the foot (from the the gastrocnemius and
 medial femoral calcaneal popliteal a.), soleus is the thickest
condyle; lateral (Achilles') tendon posterior and strongest tendon in
head: above the tibial a. the body
lateral femoral
condyle
gemellus, inferior ischial tuberosity obturator internus laterally rotates the nerve to the inferior gemellus is a Latin word
tendon femur quadratus gluteal a. that means "little twin"
femoris m.
gemellus, superior ischial spine obturator internus laterally rotates the nerve to the inferior gemellus is a Latin word
tendon femur obturator gluteal a. that means "little twin"
internus m.
gluteus maximus posterior gluteal upper fibers: extends the thigh; inferior gluteal superior and gluteus maximus is a
line, posterior iliotibial tract; laterally rotates the nerve inferior site of intramuscular
surface of lowermost fibers: femur gluteal aa. injection
sacrum and gluteal tuberosity
coccyx, of the femur
sacrotuberous
ligament
gluteus medius external surface greater trochanter abducts the femur; superior gluteal superior the angle at which the
of the ilium of the femur medially rotates the nerve gluteal a. gluteus medius tendon
between the thigh approaches the greater
posterior and trochanter of the femur
anterior gluteal is anterior to the axis of
lines rotation of the thigh,
resulting in medial
rotation
gluteus minimus external surface greater trochanter abducts the femur; superior gluteal superior the angle at which the
of the ilium of the femur medially rotates the nerve gluteal a. gluteus minimus tendon
between the thigh approaches the greater
 anterior and trochanter of the femur
inferior gluteal is anterior to the axis of
lines rotation of the thigh,
resulting in medial
rotation
gracilis pubic symphysis medial surface of adducts the thigh, flexes anterior division obturator a. the pes anserinus is the
and the inferior the tibia (via pes and medially rotates the of the obturator common insertion of the
pubic ramus anserinus) thigh, flexes the leg nerve gracilis, sartorius, and
semitendinosus mm.
iliacus iliac fossa and lesser trochanter of flexes the thigh; if the femoral nerve iliolumbar inserts in company with
iliac crest; ala of the femur thigh is fixed it flexes a. the psoas major m. via
sacrum the pelvis on the thigh the iliopsoas tendon
iliopsoas iliac fossa; lesser trochanter of flexes the thigh; flexes branches of the iliolumbar a combination of the
bodies and the femur and laterally bends the ventral primary a. iliacus and psoas major
transverse lumbar vertebral column rami of spinal mm.
processes of nerves L2-L4;
lumbar vertebrae branches of the
femoral nerve
inferior gemellus ischial tuberosity obturator internus laterally rotates the nerve to the inferior gemellus is a Latin word
tendon femur quadratus gluteal a. that means "little twin"
femoris m.
interosseous, shafts of bases of the abduct digits 2-4 (move deep branch of dorsal four in number;
dorsal (foot) adjacent proximal these digits away from the lateral metatarsal remember DAB (Dorsal
metatarsal bones phalanges for digit midline as defined by a plantar nerve aa. interossei ABduct) and
2 (both sides) & plane passing through PAD (Plantar interossei
digits 3,4 (lateral the 2nd digit); flex the ADduct), then logic can
side) metatarsophalangeal tell you where these
joints and extend the muscles insert
interphalangeal joints of
 those digits
interosseous, base and medial bases of proximal adduct digits 3-5 (move deep branch of plantar remember PAD (Plantar
plantar side of phalanges and these digits toward the the lateral metatarsal interossei ADduct) and
metatarsals 3-5 extensor midline of the foot as plantar nerve aa. DAB (Dorsal interossei
expansions of defined by a plane ABduct), and logic will
digits 3-5 through the second tell you where these
digit); flex the muscles must insert
metacarpophalangeal
and extend
interphalangeal joints of
digits 3-5
lumbricals (foot) tendons of the medial side of the flex the medial (1st) medial and the lumbricals of the
flexor digitorum extensor expansion metatarsophalangeal lumbrical: lateral foot have the same
longus of digits 2-5 joint, extend the medial plantar plantar aa. action on the toes that
proximal nerve; lateral the lumbricals in the
interphalangeal & distal three lumbricals: hand have on the fingers
interphalangeal joints of lateral plantar
digits 2-5 nerve
obturator externus the external trochanteric fossa laterally rotates the thigh obturator nerve obturator a. the tendon of the
surface of the of the femur obturator externus m.
obturator passes inferior to the
membrane and neck of the femur to
the superior and reach its insertion site
inferior pubic
rami
obturator internus the internal greater trochanter laterally rotates and nerve to the obturator a. the obturator internus m.
surface of the on its medial abducts the thigh obturator leaves the pelvis by
obturator surface above the internus m. passing through the
membrane and trochanteric fossa lesser sciatic foramen;
 margin of the the superior and inferior
obturator gemellus mm. insert on
foramen the obturator internus
tendon
pectineus pecten of the pectineal line of adducts, flexes, and femoral nerve medial pectineus often has a
pubis the femur medially rotates the and possibly the femoral dual innervation
thigh anterior division circumflex
of the obturator a.
nerve
peroneus mm. peroneus is the old
(SEE fibularis terminology used for the
mm.) fibularis mm.
piriformis anterior surface upper border of laterally rotates and ventral rami of piriformis leaves the
of sacrum greater trochanter abducts thigh S1-S2 pelvis by passing
of femur through the greater
sciatic foramen
plantar base and medial bases of proximal adduct digits 3-5 (move deep branch of plantar remember PAD (Plantar
interosseous side of phalanges and these digits toward the the lateral metatarsal interossei ADduct) and
metatarsals 3-5 extensor midline of the foot as plantar nerve aa. DAB (Dorsal interossei
expansions of defined by a plane ABduct), and logic will
digits 3-5 through the second tell you where these
digit); flex the muscles must insert
metacarpophalangeal
and extend
interphalangeal joints of
digits 3-5
plantaris above the lateral dorsum of the flexes the leg; plantar tibial nerve popliteal a. plantaris has a long
femoral condyle calcaneus medial flexes the foot slender tendon that is
(above the to the calcaneal equivalent to the tendon
 lateral head of tendon of the palmaris longus
gastrocnemius) m. of the arm; its tendon
is often called the
"freshman nerve"
because it is often
misidentified by the
freshman medical
student
popliteus lateral condyle posterior surface flexes and rotates the leg tibial nerve popliteal a. has a round tendon of
of the femur of the tibia above medially (with the foot origin; popliteus
soleal line planted, it rotates the unlocks the knee joint to
thigh laterally) initiate flexion of the leg
psoas major bodies and lesser trochanter of flexes the thigh; flexes branches of the subcostal a., the genitofemoral nerve
transverse femur (with & laterally bends the ventral primary lumbar aa. pierces the anterior
processes of iliacus) via lumbar vertebral column rami of spinal surface of the psoas
lumbar vertebrae iliopsoas tendon nerves L2-L4 major m.
psoas minor bodies of the iliopubic eminence flexes & laterally bends branches of the lumbar aa. absent in 40% of cases
T12 & L1 at the line of the lumbar vertebral ventral primary
vertebrae junction of the column rams of spinal
ilium and the nerves L1-L2
superior pubic
ramus
quadratus femoris lateral border of quadrate line of laterally rotates the thigh nerve to the inferior the nerve to the
the ischial the femur below quadratus gluteal a. quadratus femoris m.
tuberosity the femoris m. also innervates the
intertrochanteric inferior gemellus m.
crest
quadratus plantae anterior portion tendons of the assists the flexor lateral plantar lateral the quadratus plantae m.
of the calcaneus flexor digitorum digitorum longus in nerve plantar a. changes the line of force
 and the long longus m. flexing the toes of the flexor digitorum
plantar ligament longus m. to bring it in
line with the long axis
of the foot
quadriceps anterior surface tibial tuberosity extends the knee; rectus femoral nerve lateral composed of 4 muscles:
femoris of the femur and via the patellar femoris flexes the thigh circumflex rectus femoris, vastus
the anterior side ligament femoral a., lateralis, vastus
of the medial deep intermedius and vastus
and lateral femoral a. medialis
intermuscular
septa
rectus femoris straight head: patella and tibial extends the leg, flexes femoral nerve lateral rectus femoris is part of
anterior inferior tuberosity (via the the thigh circumflex the quadriceps femoris
iliac spine; patellar ligament) femoral a. muscle
reflected head:
above the
superior rim of
the acetabulum
sartorius anterior superior medial surface of flexes, abducts and femoral nerve lateral sartorius means "tailor";
iliac spine the tibia (pes laterally rotates the femoral its actions put the lower
anserinus) thigh; flexes leg circumflex limb in the traditional
a., cross-legged seated
saphenous position of a tailor
a.
semimembranosus upper, outer medial condyle of extends the thigh, flexes tibial nerve perforating one of the "hamstring"
surface of the the tibia the leg branches of muscles
ischial tuberosity the deep
femoral a.
semitendinosus lower, medial medial surface of extends the thigh, flexes tibial nerve perforating pes anserinus is the
 surface of ischial tibia (via pes the leg branches of common insertion for
tuberosity anserinus) the deep the gracilis, sartorius,
(common tendon femoral a. and semitendinosus mm.
with biceps
femoris m.)
soleus posterior surface dorsum of the plantar flexes the foot tibial nerve posterior soleus, gastrocnemius,
of head and calcaneus via the tibial a. and plantaris mm. are
upper shaft of calcaneal sometimes called the
the fibula, soleal (Achilles') tendon triceps surae muscle
line of the tibia
superior gemellus ischial spine obturator internus laterally rotates the nerve to the inferior gemellus is a Latin word
tendon femur obturator gluteal a. that means "little twin"
internus m.
tensor fasciae anterior part of iliotibial tract flexes, abducts, and superior gluteal superior tensor fascia latae
latae the iliac crest, medially rotates the nerve gluteal a. redirects the rotational
anterior superior thigh forces of the gluteus
iliac spine maximus m.
tibialis anterior lateral tibial medial surface of dorsiflexes and inverts deep fibular anterior acts as both an
condyle and the the medial the foot (peroneal) nerve tibial a. antagonist
upper lateral cuneiform and the (dorsiflexion/plantar
surface of the 1st metatarsal flexion) and a synergist
tibia (inversion) of the tibialis
posterior m.
tibialis posterior interosseous tuberosity of the plantar flexes the foot; tibial nerve fibular acts as both an
membrane, navicular and inverts the foot (peroneal) antagonist
posteromedial medial cuneiform, a. and tibial (dorsiflexion/plantar
surface of the metatarsals 2-4 a. flexion) and a synergist
fibula, (inversion) of the tibialis
posterolateral anterior m.
 surface of the
tibia
vastus intermedius anterior and patella extends the leg femoral nerve lateral vastus intermedius is
lateral surface of femoral part of the quadriceps
the femur circumflex femoris muscle
a.
vastus lateralis lateral patella and medial extends leg femoral nerve lateral vastus lateralis is part of
intermuscular patellar femoral the quadriceps femoris
septum, lateral retinaculum circumflex muscle
lip of the linea a.,
aspera and the perforating
gluteal branches of
tuberosity the deep
femoral a.
vastus medialis medial patella and medial extends leg femoral nerve lateral vastus medialis is part
intermuscular patellar femoral of the quadriceps
septum, medial retinaculum circumflex femoris muscle
lip of the linea a.
aspera