MUSCLE ORIGIN/INSERTION/ACTION/INNERVATION CHART
Muscles of Upper Extremity
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Pectoralis Major
Lateral lip of intertubercular
groove
Adducts, flexes, medially
rotates arm
Medial and lateral
pectoral
Pectoralis Minor
Medial third of clavicle, front of
sternum, costal cartilages of ribs
5-7
Ribs 3-5
Coracoid process of scapula
Protract, depress, medially rotate
scapula
Medial pectoral
Subclavius
Upper border of 1st rib
Subclavian groove of clavicle
Protract and depress clavicle
Nerve to subclavius (5th and
6th cervical nerves)
Serratus Anterior
Ribs 1-8
Ventral surfaces of vertebral
(medial) border of scapula
Protract and rotate the scapula
Long thoracic
Trapezius
Occipital bone, spines of
C7 and T1-12, and
ligamentum nuchae
Lateral 1/3 of clavicle,
acromion, and spine of scapula
Retract and rotate scapula, tilt head
back, upper portions elevate
scapula, lower portion can depress
scapula
Cranial nerve XI (spinal
accessory nerve)
Rhomboid Major
Spines of T2-5
Retract and rotate the scapula
Dorsal scapular
Rhomboid Minor
Ligamentum nuchae, spines of
C7 and T1
Vertebral (medial) border of
scapula between spine and inf.
angle
Vertebral border of spine of
scapula
Retract and rotate the scapula
Dorsal scapular
Levator Scapulae
Transverse Processes of C1-4
Vertebral border of
scapula above spine
Elevate and rotate of scapula
3rd and 4th cervical spinal
nerves and dorsal scapular
Latissimus Dorsi
Thoracolumbar fascia, iliac
crest, spines of T7-T12, and
lower 3 ribs
Lateral 1/3 clavicle, acromion,
and spine of scapula
Intertubercular groove of
humerus
Extend, medially rotate, and
adduct arm at shoulder
Thoracodorsal
Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
Abduct arm; anterior fibers flex the
arm, posterior fibers extend the arm
Axillary
Deltoid
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Teres Major
Inferior angle of scapula
Lesser tubercle of humerus
Lower subscapular
Teres Minor
Lateral border of scapula
Greater tubercle of humerus
Medially rotates and adducts arm at
shoulder
Lateral rotation of arm at shoulder
Subscapularis
Subscapular fossa of
scapula
Lesser tubercle of humerus
Medially rotate and adduct arm at
shoulder
Upper subscapular
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus fossa of
scapula
Infraspinatus fossa of
scapula
Greater tubercle of humerus
Abduct arm at shoulder
Suprascapular
Greater tubercle of humerus
Lateral rotation of arm at shoulder
Suprascapular
Long Head of Biceps
Supraglenoid tubercle of
scapula
Tuberosity of radius and to ulna
by the bicipital aponeurosis
Flex forearm at elbow, supinate
forearm, and flex arm at shoulder
Musculocutaneous
Short head of biceps
Coracoid process of scapula
Tuberosity of radius and to ulna
by the bicipital aponeurosis
Flex forearm at elbow, supinate
forearm, and flex arm at shoulder
Musculocutaneous
Coracobrachialis
Humerus
Flex arm at shoulder
Musculocutaneous
Brachialis
Coracoid process of
scapula
Humerus
Coronoid process of ulna and
ulnar tuberosity
Flex forearm at elbow
Musculocutaneous
Lateral Head of Triceps
Humerus
Olecranon of ulna
Extend forearm at elbow
Radial
Long Head of Triceps
Infraglenoid tubercle of
scapula
Olecranon of ulna
Extend forearm at elbow
Radial
Medial Head of Triceps
Humerus
Olecranon of ulna
Extend forearm at elbow
Radial
Brachioradialis
Lateral supracondylar line of
humerus
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Distal radius
Flexes forearm at elbow
Radial
Olecranon of ulna
Extend forearm at elbow
Radial
Infraspinatus
Anconeus
Axillary
Muscles of the Wrist and Hand
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
and Brevis
Lateral supracondylar ridge
(longus) and lateral epicondyle
(brevis) of humerus
Base of 2nd metacarpal (long);
base of 2nd and 3rd metacarpals
(brevis)
Extend and abduct hand at wrist
Radial
Extensor Digitorum
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Middle and distal phalanges of
fingers 2-5 via extensor
expansion
Extends digits 2-5 at all joints
Radial
Extensor Digiti Minimi
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Extensor expansion of digit 5
Extends digit 5 at all joints
Radial
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
Lateral epicondyle and ulna
Base of 5th metatarsal
Extends and adducts hand at wrist
Radial
Abductor Pollicis Longus
Radius, ulna and interosseous
membrane
Base of 1st metacarpal
Abduct and extend first digit
(thumb) at CMC joint
Posterior interosseous
Extensor Pollicis Brevis
Radius and interosseous
membrane
Proximal phalanx of thumb
Extend thumb at CMC and MCP
joints
Posterior interosseous
Extensor Pollicis Longus
Ulna and interosseous
membrane
Posterior ulna and interosseous
membrane
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
and ulna
Distal phalanx of thumb
Extends thumb at CMC, MCP and
IP joints
Extends index finger at all joints
Posterior interosseous
Wraps around lateral surface of
radius
Supinates forearm
Radial
Lateral surface of radius
Pronate forearm
Median
Flexor Carpi Radialis
Medial supracondylar
ridge of humerus and coronoid
process of ulna
Medial epicondyle of humerus
2nd and 3rd metacarpals
Flex and abduct hand at wrist
Median
Palmaris Longus
Medial epicondyle of humerus
Palmar aponeurosis
Median
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Medial epicondyle of humerus,
olecranon and posterior ulna
Pisiform, hamate, 5th metacarpal
Flex hand at wrist, tenses palmar
aponeurosis
Flex and adduct hand at wrist
Extensor Indicis
Supinator
Pronator Teres
Extensor expansion of 2nd digit
Radial
Ulnar
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis
Medial epicondyle of humerus,
ulna and radius
Radius and interosseous
membrane
Ulna and interosseous
membrane
Middle phalanges of digits 2-5
Flexes all joints from wrist to
middle phalanges of digits 2-5
Flex all 3 joints of thumb
Median
Distal phalanges of digits 2-5
Flex hand at wrist, flex all joints
digits 2-5
Pronator Quadratus
Distal ulna
Distal radius
Pronates forearm
Median to radial side of
muscle; ulnar to ulnar side of
muscle
Median
Abductor Pollicis Brevis
Scaphoid, trapezium and flexor
retinaculum
Trapezium (superficial);
Trapezoid, capitate (deep)
Proximal phalanx of thumb
Abduct thumb
Median
Radial side of proximal phalanx
(superficial and deep)
Flex thumb at CMC and MCP
joints
Median; deep head
by ulnar nerve
Opponens Pollicis
Trapezium, flexor retinaculum
1st metacarpal
Median
Adductor Pollicis
Capitate, 2nd and 3rd
metacarpals (oblique), 3rd
metacarpal (transverse)
Pisiform
Proximal phalanx of thumb
(oblique and transverse)
Rotate thumb into opposition with
digit 5
Adduct thumb
Proximal phalanx of digit 5
Abduct digit 5
Ulnar
Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis
Hook of hamate, flexor
retinaculum
Proximal phalanx of digit 5
Flex digit 5 at MCP
Ulnar
Opponens Digiti Minimi
Flexor retinaculum
5th metacarpal
Ulnar
Lumbricals of the hand
Tendons of flexor digitorum
profundus
extensor expansion of digits 2-5
Rotate digit 5 into opposition with
thumb
Flex digits 2-5 at MCP joints,
extend digits 2-5 at IP
Joints
Dorsal interossei of hand (4)
Adjacents sides of two
metacarpals
Extensor expansion of digits 2-4
Abduct digits 2-4; assist lumbrical
actions
Ulnar
Palmar interossei (3)
2nd, 4th and 5th metacarpals
Extensor expansion of digits 2,
4, 5
Adduct digits 2,4, and 5; assist
lumbrical action
Ulnar
Flexor Pollicis Longus
Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Flexor Pollicis Brevis
Abductor Digiti Minimi
Distal phalanx of thumb
Median
Ulnar
Lateral two, median;
medial two, ulnar
Muscles of the Thorax
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
External Intercostals
Lower border of superior rib
Upper border of inferior rib
Elevate ribs during inspiration
Intercostal nerves
Internal Intercostals
Inner surface of superior rib
Upper border of inferior rib
Draw ribs downward during
forced expiration
Intercostal nerves
Transversus Thoracis
Inner surface of body;
xiphoid process
Costal cartilages of ribs 2-6
Draw ribs downward
Intercostal nerves
Quadratus Lumborum
Iliac crest
Psoas Major
Lateral flexion of spinal column
at lumbar vertebrae
Flexes thigh at hip
Branches of ventral rami of L14
Branches of ventral rami of
lumbar nerves L1-L3
Psoas Minor
Upper 4 lumbar transverse
processes; last thoracic; upper 4
lumbar discs
Bodies of T12 and L1
12th rib, transverse process of
lumbar vertebrae
Lesser trochanter of femur
Iliopsoas fascia and pectinal line
of pubis
Flexes thigh at hip
Ventral ramus of L1, L2
Iliacus
Iliac fossa
Lesser trochanter of femur
Flexor thigh at hip
Femoral nerve
Rectus Abdominis
Pubic crest, pubic symphysis
Costal cartilages 5-7; xiphoid
process
Flex vertebral column and
compress abdomen; stabilizes
pelvis
T7-T11 intercostal
and subcostal (12th
thoracic)
External Oblique
Lower 8 ribs (5-12)
Anterior iliac crest, linea alba,
pubic tubercle
T7-T11 intercostal
and subcostal
Internal Oblique
Lumbar fascia, iliac crest and
lateral half of inguinal
ligament
Ribs 10-12, linea
alba, pectineal line (via conjoint
tendon)
Transverse Abdominus
Internal surface of costal
cartilage of ribs 7-12; lumbar
fascia, iliac crest, lateral 1/3 of
inguinal ligament
Linea alba, pubic crest,
pectineal line (via conjoint
tendon)
Compress abdomen; both sides
flex vertebral column, one side
(unilateral contraction) rotates
vertebral column to opposite
side
Compress abdomen; both sides
flex vertebral column, unilateral
contraction rotates vertebral
column to same side
Compress abdomen
T7-T11 intercostal, subcostal
iliohypogastic and
ilioinguinal
T7-T11 intercostal, subcostal
iliohypogastic and
ilioinguinal
Muscles of the Thigh
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Rectus Femoris
(Part of Quadriceps Femoris)
Anterior inferior iliac spine
Patella and tibial tuberosity
through patellar ligament
Extend leg at knee and flex thigh at
hip
Femoral
Vastus Lateralis
(Part of Quadriceps Femoris)
Greater trochanter of femur,
lateral lip of linea aspera
Patella and tibial tuberosity
through patellar ligament
Extend leg at knee
Femoral
Vastus Medialis
(Part of Quadriceps Femoris)
Intertrochanteric line; medial lip
of linea aspera
Patella and tibial tuberosity
through patellar ligament
Extend leg at knee
Femoral
Vastus Intermedius
(Part of Quadriceps Femoris)
Shaft of femur
Patella and tibial tuberosity
through patellar ligament
Extend leg at knee
Femoral
Sartorius
Anterior superior iliac spine
Medial surface of tibia
Laterally rotate and flex thigh at hip,
flex leg at knee
Femoral
Pectineus
Pectineal line of pubis
Pectineal line of femur
Flex, adduct thigh at hip
Femoral
Adductor Longus
Body of pubis
Medial lip of linea aspera
Flex, adduct thigh at hip
Obturator
Adductor Brevis
Pecitineal line of femur and
proximal linea aspera
Gluteal tuberosity, linea aspera
and adductor tubercle
Flex, adduct thigh at hip
Obturator
Upper: Adduct, flex thigh at hip
Lower: Adduct, extend thigh at hip
Upper: Obturator
Lower: Tibial sciatic
Gracilis
Body and inferior ramus
of pubis
Inferior ramus of pubis, ramus
of ischium and ischial
tuberosity
Body of pubis
Medial surface of tibia
Obturator
Gluteus Maximus
Ilium and sacrum
Gluteus Medius and Gluteus
Minimus*
Ilium
Iliotibial tract and gluteal
tuberosity of femur
Greater trochanter of femur
Adduct thigh at hip, flexes leg at
knee
Extend and laterally rotate thigh at
hip
Abduct thigh at hip; Anterior: Flex
and medially rotate thigh
Posterior: Extend and laterally rotate
thigh
Adductor Magnus*
Inferior gluteal
Superior gluteal
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Tensor Fasciae Latae
Iliac crest and anterior superior
iliac spine
Iliotibial tract (to lateral condyle
of tibia)
Flex, abduct thigh at hip
Superior gluteal
Piriformis
Superior Gemellus
Inferior Gemellus
Obturator Internus
Quadratus Femoris
Obturator Externus
Pelvis
Greater trochanter and posterior
part of femur
Lateral rotators of thigh at hip
Nerve to muscle
name
Biceps Femoris
Long head: ischial tuberosity
Short head: linea aspera
Fibular head
Flex leg at knee, extend thigh at
hip
Long head: Tibial sciatic
Short head: Common peroneal
sciatic
Semimembranosus
Ischial tuberosity
Medial condyle of tibia
Tibial sciatic
Semitendinosus
Ischial tuberosity
Medial surface of tibia
Flex leg at knee, extend thigh at
hip
Flex leg at knee, extend thigh at
hip
Tibial sciatic
Muscles of the Leg
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Tibialis Anterior
Lateral condyle and surface of
tibia
Lateral condyle of tibia
and surface of fibula
Medial cuneiform and 1st
metatarsal
Middle and distal phalanges of
toes 2-5
Dorsiflex and invert foot
Deep peroneal
Dorsiflex and evert foot, extend toes 25
Deep peroneal
Anterior surface of fibula and
interosseous membrane
Anterior surface of fibula and
tendon of EDL
Distal phalanx of great toe
Dorsiflex and invert foot, extend great
toe
Dorsiflex and evert foot
Deep peroneal
Head and lateral surface of
fibula
Lateral surface of fibula
1st metatarsal and medial
cuneiform
Tuberosity of 5th metatarsal
Plantarflex and evert foot
Superficial peroneal
Plantarflex and evert foot
Superficial peroneal
Gastrocnemius
Medial and lateral condyles and
posterior surface of femur
Plantar flex foot (powerful) and flex
leg at knee
Tibial
Soleus
Head and posterior
surface of fibula and
soleal line of tibia
Posterior surface of femur
Unites with tendon of soleus
and forms the calcaneal tendon
(Achilles tendon) to posterior
surface of calcaneus
Posterior surface of calcaneus
via calcaneal tendon
Plantarflex foot
Tibial
Joins calcaneal tendon to
posterior calcaneus
Tibia above soleal line
Planterflex foot and flex leg (small
contribution for both)
Flex and medially rotate leg at knee
Tibial
Distal phalanges of toes 2-5
Flex toes 2-5,
plantarflex foot
Flex big toe, plantarflex
Tibial
Plantar flex and invert foot
Tibial
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Peroneus Tertius
(Lower fibers of ext. dig.
longus)
Peroneus Longus
Peroneus Brevis
Plantaris
Popliteus
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Lateral condyle of femur and
lateral meniscus
Posterior surface of tibia
Base of 5th metatarsal
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Posterior surface of fibula and
interosseous membrane
Distal phalanx of great toe
Tibialis Posterior
Fibula, tibia and interosseous
membrane
Tuberosity of all tarsals except
talus
Deep peroneal
Tibial
Tibial
Muscles of the Neck and Face
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Platysma
Fascia over pectoralis major and
deltoid
Manubrium and clavicle
Sternohyoid
Manubrium and medial end of
clavicle
Body of hyoid
Draw corners of mouth inferiorly;
tense skin of inferior face and neck
(grimace)
Unilateral contraction tip head
toward shoulder while turning head
to opposite side;
Bilateral contraction flex cervical
vertebrae (chin toward chest)
Depress hyoid
Facial (CN VII - cervical branch)
Sternocleidomastoid
Inferior border of mandible,
skin, and subcutaneous tissues
of lower face
Mastoid process
Thyrohyoid
Thyroid cartilage
Inferior border of body and
greater horn of hyoid
Depress hyoid, elevate larynx
C1
Sternothyroid
Manubrium
Thyroid cartilage
Depress thyroid cartilage
C1-C3
Digastric
Mastoid notch (digastric
groove)
Mandible near symphysis
Raise hyoid and base of tongue;
depress mandibl
Mylohyoid
Mylohyoid line of mandible
Hyoid bone and median raphe
Geniohyoid
Mandible
Body of hyoid
Elevate hyoid and base of tongue;
depress mandible
Elevate hyoid and base of tongue
Posterior belly: Facial (CN VII)
Anterior belly: Trigeminal (CN V
mandibular division)
Trigeminal (CNV mandibular
division)
C1, C2
Omohyoid
Medial lip of suprascapular
notch
Styloid process of temporal
bone
Lower border of zygomatic arch
Lower border of body of hyoid
Depress, retract, and steady hyoid
C1-C3
Body of hyoid
Elevate and retract hyoid, elongating
floor of mouth
Raise and protract mandible
Facial (CN VII )
Mandible, alveolar processes of
maxilla and mandible,
ptyergomandibular raphe
Angle of mouth
Compress cheek against molar teeth
Facial (CN VII)
Stylohyoid
Masseter
Buccinator
Ramus and coronoid process of
mandible
Spinal accessory (CN XI) and C2,
C3
C1-C3
Trigeminal (CNV mandibular
division)
