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)