MUSCLE ORIGIN/INSERTION/ACTION/INNERVATION CHART
Muscles of Upper Extremity
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Pectoralis Major
Medial third of clavicle, front
of sternum, costal cartilages
of ribs 5-7
Lateral lip of intertubercular
groove
Adducts, flexes, medially
rotates arm
Medial and lateral
pectoral
Pectoralis Minor
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
Intertubercular groove of
humerus
Extend, medially rotate, and
adduct arm at shoulder
Thoracodorsal
Deltoid
Lateral 1/3 clavicle,
acromion, and spine of
scapula
Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
Abduct arm; anterior fibers
flex the arm, posterior fibers
extend the arm
Axillary
1
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Teres Major
Inferior angle of scapula
Lesser tubercle of humerus
Medially rotates and adducts
arm at shoulder
Lower subscapular
Teres Minor
Lateral border of scapula
Greater tubercle of humerus
Lateral rotation of arm at
shoulder
Axillary
Subscapularis
Subscapular fossa of
scapula
Lesser tubercle of humerus
Medially rotate and adduct
arm at shoulder
Upper subscapular
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus fossa of
scapula
Greater tubercle of humerus
Abduct arm at shoulder
Suprascapular
Infraspinatus
Infraspinatus fossa of
scapula
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
Anconeus
2
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
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus
Base of 2nd metacarpal
(long); base of 2nd and 3rd
metacarpals (brevis)
Extend and abduct hand at
wrist
Radial
Middle and distal phalanges
of fingers 2-5 via extensor
expansion
Extends digits 2-5 at all joints
Radial
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus
Lateral epicondyle and ulna
Extensor expansion of digit 5
Extends digit 5 at all joints
Radial
Base of 5th metatarsal
Extends and adducts hand at
wrist
Radial
Radius, ulna and interosseous
membrane
Radius and interosseous
membrane
Base of 1st metacarpal
Abduct and extend first digit
(thumb) at CMC joint
Extend thumb at CMC and
MCP joints
Posterior interosseous
Ulna and interosseous
membrane
Posterior ulna and
interosseous membrane
Distal phalanx of thumb
Extends thumb at CMC, MCP
and IP joints
Extends index finger at all
joints
Posterior interosseous
Supinator
Lateral epicondyle of
humerus and ulna
Wraps around lateral surface
of radius
Supinates forearm
Radial
Pronator Teres
Medial supracondylar
ridge of humerus and
coronoid process of ulna
Lateral surface of radius
Pronate forearm
Median
Flexor Carpi Radialis
Medial epicondyle of
humerus
Medial epicondyle of
humerus
Medial epicondyle of
humerus, olecranon and
posterior ulna
2nd and 3rd metacarpals
Flex and abduct hand at wrist
Median
Palmar aponeurosis
Flex hand at wrist, tenses
palmar aponeurosis
Flex and adduct hand at wrist
Median
Extensor Digitorum
Extensor Digiti Minimi
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
Abductor Pollicis Longus
Extensor Pollicis Brevis
Extensor Pollicis Longus
Extensor Indicis
Palmaris Longus
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Proximal phalanx of thumb
Extensor expansion of 2nd
digit
Pisiform, hamate, 5th
metacarpal
3
Posterior interosseous
Radial
Ulnar
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Flexor Digitorum
Superficialis
Medial epicondyle of
humerus, ulna and radius
Middle phalanges of digits 25
Flexes all joints from wrist to
middle phalanges of digits 25
Median
Flexor Pollicis Longus
Radius and interosseous
membrane
Distal phalanx of thumb
Flex all 3 joints of thumb
Median
Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Ulna and interosseous
membrane
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)
1st metacarpal
Flex thumb at CMC and MCP
joints
Median; deep head
by ulnar nerve
Rotate thumb into opposition
with digit 5
Median
Flexor Pollicis Brevis
Opponens Pollicis
Trapezium, flexor
retinaculum
Adductor Pollicis
Capitate, 2nd and 3rd
metacarpals (oblique), 3rd
metacarpal (transverse)
Pisiform
Proximal phalanx of thumb
(oblique and transverse)
Adduct thumb
Ulnar
Proximal phalanx of digit 5
Abduct digit 5
Ulnar
Hook of hamate, flexor
retinaculum
Flexor retinaculum
Proximal phalanx of digit 5
Flex digit 5 at MCP
Ulnar
5th metacarpal
Rotate digit 5 into opposition
with thumb
Ulnar
Lumbricals of the hand
Tendons of flexor digitorum
profundus
extensor expansion of digits
2-5
Flex digits 2-5 at MCP joints,
extend digits 2-5 at IP
joints
Lateral two, median;
medial two, ulnar
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 actions
Ulnar
Abductor Digiti Minimi
Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis
Opponens Digiti Minimi
4
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
12th rib, transverse process of
lumbar vertebrae
Lateral flexion of spinal
column at lumbar vertebrae
Branches of ventral
rami of L1-4
Psoas Major
Upper 4 lumbar transverse
processes; last thoracic; upper
4 lumbar discs
Lesser trochanter of femur
Flexes thigh at hip
Branches of ventral rami
of lumbar nerves L1-L3
Psoas Minor
Bodies of T12 and L1
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
5
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
Body and inferior ramus
of pubis
Pecitineal line of femur and
proximal linea aspera
Flex, adduct thigh at hip
Obturator
Adductor Magnus*
Inferior ramus of pubis,
ramus of ischium and
ischial tuberosity
Gluteal tuberosity, linea
aspera and adductor tubercle
Upper: Adduct, flex thigh at
hip
Lower: Adduct, extend thigh
at hip
Upper: Obturator
Lower: Tibial sciatic
Gracilis
Body of pubis
Medial surface of tibia
Adduct thigh at hip, flexes
leg at knee
Obturator
Gluteus Maximus
Ilium and sacrum
Iliotibial tract and gluteal
tuberosity of femur
Extend and laterally rotate
thigh at hip
Inferior gluteal
Gluteus Medius and Gluteus
Minimus*
Ilium
Greater trochanter of femur
Abduct thigh at hip; Anterior:
Flex and medially rotate thigh
Posterior: Extend and
laterally rotate thigh
Superior gluteal
6
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
7
Tibial sciatic
Muscles of the Leg
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Tibialis Anterior
Lateral condyle and surface
of tibia
Medial cuneiform and 1st
metatarsal
Dorsiflex and invert foot
Deep peroneal
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Lateral condyle of tibia
and surface of fibula
Middle and distal phalanges
of toes 2-5
Dorsiflex and evert foot,
extend toes 2-5
Deep peroneal
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Anterior surface of fibula and
interosseous membrane
Distal phalanx of great toe
Dorsiflex and invert foot,
extend great toe
Deep peroneal
Peroneus Tertius
(Lower fibers of ext. dig.
longus)
Peroneus Longus
Anterior surface of fibula and
tendon of EDL
Base of 5th metatarsal
Dorsiflex and evert foot
Deep peroneal
Head and lateral surface of
fibula
1st metatarsal and medial
cuneiform
Plantarflex and evert foot
Superficial peroneal
Peroneus Brevis
Lateral surface of fibula
Tuberosity of 5th metatarsal
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
Planterflex foot and flex leg
(small contribution for both)
Tibial
Lateral condyle of femur and
lateral meniscus
Posterior surface of tibia
Tibia above soleal line
Flex and medially rotate leg
at knee
Flex toes 2-5,
plantarflex foot
Tibial
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Posterior surface of fibula
and interosseous membrane
Distal phalanx of great toe
Flex big toe, plantarflex
Tibial
Tibialis Posterior
Fibula, tibia and interosseous
membrane
Tuberosity of all tarsals
except talus
Plantar flex and invert foot
Tibial
Plantaris
Popliteus
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Distal phalanges of toes 2-5
8
Tibial
Muscles of the Neck and Face
Muscle Name
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Platysma
Fascia over pectoralis major
and deltoid
Inferior border of mandible,
skin, and subcutaneous
tissues of lower face
Facial (CN VII - cervical
branch)
Sternocleidomastoid
Manubrium and clavicle
Mastoid process
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
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 mandible
Mylohyoid
Mylohyoid line of mandible
Hyoid bone and median raphe
Geniohyoid
Mandible
Body of hyoid
Omohyoid
Medial lip of suprascapular
notch
Lower border of body of
hyoid
Elevate hyoid and base of
tongue; depress mandible
Elevate hyoid and base of
tongue
Depress, retract, and steady
hyoid
Posterior belly: Facial (CN
VII)
Anterior belly: Trigeminal
(CN V – mandibular division)
Trigeminal (CNV –
mandibular division)
C1, C2
Stylohyoid
Styloid process of temporal
bone
Body of hyoid
Elevate and retract hyoid,
elongating floor of mouth
Facial (CN VII )
Masseter
Lower border of zygomatic
arch
Ramus and coronoid process
of mandible
Raise and protract mandible
Trigeminal (CNV –
mandibular division)
Buccinator
Mandible, alveolar processes
of maxilla and mandible,
ptyergomandibular raphe
Angle of mouth
Compress cheek against
molar teeth
Facial (CN VII)
9
Spinal accessory (CN XI) and
C2, C3
C1-C3
C1-C3
10