Brachioradialis
Brachioradialis is a muscle of the forearm that acts primarily in the flexion of the elbow joint. It is unique among the muscles in the forearm in that it is a flexor that is located in the posterior compartment. The brachioradialis is a superficial muscle that extends from the lower part of the humerus to the distal radius of the forearm. Its primary function is to flex the forearm at the elbow, especially when the forearm is in a mid-position between pronation and supination.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The brachioradialis originates on the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus, just above the lateral epicondyle, and inserts on the lateral surface of the radius, near the styloid process. Unlike other muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm, which are primarily involved in extension, the brachioradialis is a flexor. It is innervated by the radial nerve, specifically the C5-C6 spinal nerve roots.
The muscle is easily visible under the skin of the forearm, especially when the forearm is flexed. It acts as a stabilizer for the elbow during rapid flexion and extension movements.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the brachioradialis is to flex the forearm at the elbow. It is most effective when the forearm is in a neutral position, midway between pronation and supination. The muscle can also assist in the pronation and supination of the forearm when these movements are resisted.
In addition to its role in forearm flexion, the brachioradialis helps to stabilize the elbow joint during various activities, providing a balance between the forces produced by the flexor and extensor muscles.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Injury to the brachioradialis can result from overuse, strain, or direct trauma. Symptoms of injury may include pain, swelling, and weakness in the forearm, particularly during movements that involve flexing the elbow. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
The brachioradialis reflex is a clinical test used to assess the integrity of the radial nerve and the C5-C6 spinal nerve roots. This reflex is elicited by striking the brachioradialis tendon directly with a reflex hammer, which should cause a quick flexion of the forearm at the elbow.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
