This is a table of muscles of the human anatomy .
There are approximately 642 skeletal muscles within the typical human, and almost every muscle constitutes one part of a pair of identical bilateral muscles, found on both sides, resulting in approximately 320 pairs of muscles, as presented
in this article. Nevertheless, the exact number is difficult to define because different sources group muscles differently, e.g. regarding what is defined as different parts of a single muscle or as several muscles. Examples range from 640 to 850.[1]
The muscles of the human body can be categorized into a number of groups which include muscles relating to the head and neck, muscles of the torso or trunk, muscles of the upper limbs, and muscles of the lower limbs.
The action refers to the action of each muscle from the standard anatomical position . In other positions, other actions may be performed.
These muscles are described using anatomical terminology .
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
levator palpebrae superioris
sphenoid bone
tarsal plate , upper eyelid
ophthalmic artery
oculomotor nerve
retracts //elevates eyelid
orbicularis oculi muscle
superior tarsal
underside of levator palpebrae superioris
superior tarsal plate of the eyelid
sympathetic nervous system
raise the upper eyelid
orbicularis oculi
frontal bone , medial palpebral ligament , and lacrimal bone
lateral palpebral raphe
ophthalmic artery , zygomatico-orbital artery , angular artery
facial nerve
closes the eyelids
levator palpebrae superioris muscle
Rectus muscles
superior
annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex
7.5 mm superior to the corneal limbus
oculomotor nerve
elevates , adducts , and rotates medially the eye
inferior
6.5 mm inferior to the corneal limbus
inferior branch of oculomotor nerve
depression and adduction
medial
5.5 mm medial to the corneal limbus
inferior division of the oculomotor nerve
adducts the eyeball
lateral
7 mm temporal to the corneal limbus
abducens nerve
abducts the eyeball
Oblique muscles
superior
annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex, medial to optic canal
outer posterior quadrant of the eyeball
lateral muscular branch of the ophthalmic artery
trochlear nerve
primary: intorsion . secondary:abduct (laterally rotate) and depress the eyeball
inferior
orbital surface of the maxilla , lateral to the lacrimal groove
laterally onto the eyeball , deep to the lateral rectus , by a short flat tendon
oculomotor nerve
extorsion , elevation , abduction
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
scalene muscles
cervical vertebrae
first and second ribs
ascending cervical artery (branch of inferior thyroid artery )
cervical nerves (C3 , C4 , C5 , C6 , C7
elevation of ribs I&II
anterior
C3 -C6
first rib
ascending cervical artery (branch of inferior thyroid artery )
ventral ramus of C5 , C6
When the neck is fixed, elevates the first rib to aid in breathing or when the rib is fixed, bends the neck forward and sideways and rotates it to the opposite side
medius
C2 -C6
first rib
ascending cervical artery (branch of inferior thyroid artery )
ventral rami of the third to eighth cervical spinal nerves
Elevate 1st rib, rotate the neck to the opposite side
posterior
transverse processes of C4 - C6
2nd rib
ascending cervical artery , superficial cervical artery
C6 , C7 , C8
Elevate 2nd rib, tilt the neck to the same side
levator scapulae
Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 - C4
Superior part of medial border of scapula
dorsal scapular artery
cervical nerve (C3, C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula
rectus capitis lateralis
upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas (C1)
under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone
C1
obliquus capitis superior
lateral mass of atlas
lateral half of the inferior nuchal line
suboccipital nerve
inferior
spinous process of the axis
lateral mass of atlas
suboccipital nerve
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
erector spinae
on the spines of the last four thoracic vertebrae
both the spines of the most cranial thoracic vertebrae and the cervical vertebrae
lateral sacral artery
posterior branch of spinal nerve
extends the vertebral column
rectus abdominis muscle
iliocostalis
lateral sacral artery
longissimus
transverse process
transverse process
lateral sacral artery
posterior branch of spinal nerve
rectus abdominis muscle
spinalis
spinous process
spinous process
lateral sacral artery
posterior branch of spinal nerve
rectus abdominis muscle
latissimus dorsi
spinous processes of thoracic T6 -T12 , thoracolumbar fascia , iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs
floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus
subscapular artery , dorsal scapular artery
thoracodorsal nerve
pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally
deltoid , trapezius
transversospinales
transverse process
spinous process
posterior branches
semispinalis dorsi
transverse processes of the sixth to the tenth thoracic vertebrae
spinous processes of the upper four thoracic and lower two cervical vertebrae
semispinalis cervicis
transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebræ
cervical spinous processes, from the axis to the fifth
semispinalis capitis
transversal process of lower cervical and higher thoracal columna
area between superior and inferior nuchal line
greater occipital nerve
Extends the head
multifidus
sacrum , erector spinae aponeurosis , PSIS , and iliac crest
spinous process
posterior branch of spinal nerve
Stabilizes vertebrae in local movements of vertebral column
rotatores
transverse process
spinous process
posterior branch
interspinales
spinous process
spinous process
posterior rami of spinal nerves
Extension , flexion and rotation of vertebral column.
intertransversarii
transverse process
transverse process above
anterior rami of spinal nerves
Lateral flexion of trunk
Splenius muscles
capitis
ligamentum nuchae, spinous process of C7 -T6
Mastoid process of temporal and occipital bone
C3 , C4
Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head
cervicis
spinous processes of T3 -T6
transverse processes of C1 , C2 , C3
C5 , C6
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
intercostales
ribs 1-11
ribs 2-12
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
external
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
Inhalation
internal
internal
rib - inferior border
rib - superior border
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
hold ribs steady
external
innermost
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
Elevate ribs
subcostales
inner surface of one rib
inner surface of the second or third rib above, near its angle
intercostal nerves
transversus thoracis
costal cartilages of last 3-4 ribs, body of sternum, xiphoid process
ribs /costal cartilages 2-6
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
depresses ribs
levatores costarum
transverse processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae
superior surfaces of the ribs immediately inferior to the preceding vertebrae
dorsal rami - C8 , T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 , T5 , T6 , T7 , T8 , T9 , T10 , T11
Assists in elevation of the thoracic rib cage
Serratus posterior muscles
inferior
vertebrae T11 - L3
the inferior borders of the 9th through 12th ribs
intercostal arteries
intercostal nerves
depress the lower ribs, aiding in expiration
superior
nuchal ligament (or ligamentum nuchae) and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7 through T3
the upper borders of the 2nd through 5th ribs
intercostal arteries
2nd through 5th intercostal nerves
elevate the ribs which aids in inspiration
diaphragm
pericardiacophrenic artery , musculophrenic artery , inferior phrenic arteries
phrenic and lower intercostal nerves
respiration
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
transversus abdominis
ribs and the iliac crest
inserts into the pubic tubercle via the conjoint tendon, also known as the falx inguinalis
intercostal nerves T7 , T8 , T9 , T10 , T11 , subcostal nerve (T12 ), iliohypogastric nerve , ilioinguinal nerve , genitofemoral nerve
compress the ribs and viscera, providing thoracic and pelvic stability
rectus abdominis
pubis
costal cartilages of ribs 5-7, xiphoid process of sternum
inferior epigastric artery
segmentally by thoraco-abdominal nerves (T7 , T8 , T9 , T10 , T11 , T12 )
flexion of trunk /lumbar vertebrae
erector spinae
pyramidalis
pubic symphysis and pubic crest
linea alba
subcostal nerve (T12 )
tensing the linea alba
cremaster
inguinal ligament
cremasteric artery
genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
raise and lower the scrotum
quadratus lumborum
iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament
last rib and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
lumbar arteries , iliolumbar artery
anterior branches of T12 , L1 , L2 , L3 , L4
Alone, lateral flexion of vertebral column ; Together, depression of thoracic rib cage
Oblique muscles
external
Lower 8 costae
Crista iliaca , ligamentum inguinale
intercostal nerves T5 , T6 , T7 , T8 , T9 , T10 , T11 , subcostal nerve (T12 )
Rotates torso
internal
inguinal ligament , iliac crest and the lumbodorsal fascia
linea alba , xyphoid process and the inferior ribs.
intercostal nerves T8 , T9 , T10 , T11 , subcostal nerve (T12 ), iliohypogastric nerve , ilioinguinal nerve
Compresses abdomen and rotates vertebral column.
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
trapezius
down the midline, from the external occipital protuberance , the nuchal ligament , the medial part of the superior nuchal line , and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7-T12
at the shoulders, into the lateral third of the clavicle , the acromion process and into the spine of the scapula
transverse cervical artery
major nerve supply is the cranial nerve XI . cervical nerves C3 and C4 receive information about pain in this muscle
retraction and elevation of scapula .
Serratus anterior muscle
latissimus dorsi
spinous processes of thoracic T6 -T12 , thoracolumbar fascia , iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs
floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus
subscapular artery , dorsal scapular artery
thoracodorsal nerve
pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally
deltoid , trapezius
rhomboids
nuchal ligaments , spinous processes of C7-T5 vertebrae
medial border of the scapula
dorsal scapular artery
dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5 )
Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity . fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall .
Serratus anterior muscle
rhomboid major
spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae
medial border of the scapula , inferior to the insertion of rhomboid minor muscle
dorsal scapular artery
dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5 )
Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity . It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall .
Serratus anterior muscle
rhomboid minor
nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7- to T1 vertebrae
medial border of the scapula , superior to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle
dorsal scapular artery
dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5 )
Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity . It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall .
Serratus anterior muscle
levator scapulae
posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 - C4 vertebrae
superior part of medial border of scapula
dorsal scapular artery
cervical nerve (C3 , C4 ) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5 )
Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
pectoralis major
anterior surface of the medial half of the clavicle . Sternocostal head : anterior surface of the sternum , the superior six costal cartilages
intertubercular groove of the humerus
pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk
lateral pectoral nerve and medial pectoral nerve Clavicular head : C5 and C6 Sternocostal head : C7 , C8 and T1
Clavicular head : flexes the humerus Sternocostal head : extends the humerus As a whole, adducts and medially rotates the humerus . It also draws the scapula anteriorly and inferiorly.
pectoralis minor
3rd to 5th ribs , near their costal cartilages
medial border and superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula
Pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial trunk
Medial pectoral nerves (C8 , T1 )
stabilizes the scapula by drawing it inferiorly and anteriorly against the thoracic wall
subclavius
first rib
subclavian groove of clavicle
thoracoacromial artery , clavicular branch
nerve to subclavius
Depresses the clavicle
serratus anterior
fleshy slips from the outer surface of upper 8 or 9 ribs
costal aspect of medial margin of the scapula
lateral thoracic artery (upper part), thoracodorsal artery (lower part)
long thoracic nerve (from roots of brachial plexus C5 , C6 , C7 )
protract and stabilize scapula , assists in upward rotation
Rhomboid major , Rhomboid minor , Trapezius
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
deltoid
clavicle , acromion , spine of the scapula
deltoid tuberosity of humerus
primarily posterior circumflex humeral artery
Axillary nerve
shoulder abduction , flexion and extension
Latissimus dorsi
teres major
posterior aspect of the inferior angle of the scapula
medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
Subscapular and circumflex scapular arteries
Lower subscapular nerve (segmental levels C5 and C6 )
Internal rotation of the humerus
Rotator cuff
supraspinatus
supraspinous fossa of scapula
superior facet of greater tubercle of humerus
suprascapular artery
suprascapular nerve
abduction of arm and stabilizes humerus
infraspinatus , teres minor , pectoralis major , and latissimus dorsi
infraspinatus
infraspinous fossa of the scapula
middle facet of greater tubercle of the humerus
suprascapular and circumflex scapular arteries
suprascapular nerve
Lateral rotation of arm & Adduction of arm and stabilizes humerus
subscapularis , pectoralis major , and latissimus dorsi
teres minor
lateral border of the scapula
inferior facet of greater tubercle of the humerus
posterior circumflex humeral artery and the circumflex scapular artery
axillary nerve
laterally rotates and adducts the arm
subscapularis , pectoralis major , and latissimus dorsi
subscapularis
subscapular fossa
lesser tubercle of humerus
subscapular artery
upper subscapular nerve , lower subscapular nerve (C5 , C6 )
rotates medially humerus ; stabilizes shoulder
infraspinatus and teres minor
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
supinator
Lateral epicondyle of the humerus , supinator crest of ulna , radial collateral ligament , annular ligament
Lateral proximal radial shaft
radial recurrent artery
posterior interosseus nerve (C7 , C8 )
supinates forearm
Pronator teres , Pronator quadratus
extensor indicis
ulna
index finger (extensor hood )
posterior interosseous nerve (C7 , C8 )
extends index finger , wrist
Anatomical snuff box
abductor pollicis longus
ulna , radial styloid process
first metacarpal
posterior interosseous nerve (C7 , C8 )
abduction , extension of thumb
Adductor pollicis muscle
extensor pollicis brevis
radius
thumb , proximal phalanx
posterior interosseous artery
posterior interosseous nerve (C7 , C8 )
extension of thumb at metacarpophalangeal joint
Flexor pollicis longus muscle , Flexor pollicis brevis muscle
extensor pollicis longus
ulna
thumb , distal phalanx
posterior interosseous nerve (C7 , C8 )
extension of the thumb (metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal )
Flexor pollicis longus muscle , Flexor pollicis brevis muscle
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
iliopsoas
iliac fossa (iliacus ), sacrum (iliacus), spine (T12 , L1 , L2 , L3 , L4 , L5 ) & intervertebral discs (psoas major , psoas minor ) [2]
femur —lesser trochanter (psoas major/minor), shaft below lesser trochanter (iliacus), tendon of psoas major & femur (iliacus) [2]
medial femoral circumflex artery , iliolumbar artery
femoral nerve , Lumbar nerves L1 , L2
flexion of hip (psoas major/minor, iliacus), spine rotation (psoas major/minor)
Gluteus maximus , posterior compartment of thigh
psoas major
transverse processes, bodies and discs of T12-L5
in the lesser trochanter of the femur
Iliolumbar artery
Lumbar plexus via anterior branches of L1 , L2 , L3 [3]
flexes and rotates laterally thigh
Gluteus maximus
psoas minor
Side of T12 +L1 and IV Disc between
Pectineal line and iliopectineal eminence
L1
Weak trunk flexor
Gluteus maximus
iliacus
iliac fossa
lesser trochanter of femur
medial femoral circumflex artery , Iliolumbar artery
femoral nerve (L2 , L3 [3] )
flexes hip[4]
Gluteus maximus
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
tensor fasciae latae
iliac crest
iliotibial tract
primarily lateral circumflex femoral artery , Superior gluteal artery
Superior gluteal nerve (L4 , L5 )
Thigh - flexion , medial rotation . Trunk stabilization.
Gluteal muscles
gluteus maximus muscle
Gluteal surface of ilium , lumbar fascia , sacrum , sacrotuberous ligament
Gluteal tuberosity of the femur , iliotibial tract
superior and inferior gluteal arteries
inferior gluteal nerve (L5 , S1 , S2 nerve roots)
external rotation and extension of the hip joint , supports the extended knee through the iliotibial tract , chief antigravity muscle in sitting
Iliacus , Psoas major , Psoas minor
gluteus medius muscle
Gluteal surface of ilium , under gluteus maximus
Greater trochanter of the femur
superior gluteal artery
superior gluteal nerve (L4 , L5 , S1 nerve roots)
abduction of the hip ; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh .
lateral rotator group
minimus
Gluteal surface of ilium , under gluteus medius .
Greater trochanter of the femur
superior gluteal artery
superior gluteal nerve (L4 , L5 , S1 nerve roots)
Works in concert with gluteus medius: abduction of the hip; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh.
lateral rotator group
lateral rotator group
at or below the acetabulum of the ilium
on or near the greater trochanter of the femur
Inferior gluteal artery , Lateral sacral artery , Superior gluteal artery
Obturator nerve , nerve to the Piriformis , nerve to quadratus femoris
lateral rotation of hip
Gluteus minimus muscle , Gluteus medius muscle
piriformis
sacrum
greater trochanter
Inferior gluteal artery , Lateral sacral artery , Superior gluteal artery
nerve to the Piriformis (S1 and S2 nerve roots) [5]
laterally rotate (outward) the thigh
obturator externus
obturator foramen and obturatory membrane
medial aspect of greater trochanter of femur
obturator artery
posterior branch of obturator nerve (L3 , L4 )
adduct thigh , rotate laterally thigh
obturator internus
Ischiopubic ramus & obturator membrane
medial aspect of the Greater trochanter
Nerve to obturator internus (L5 , S1 , S2 )
Abducts & rotates laterally thigh , and stabiliser of the hip during walking
inferior gemellus
Ischial tuberosity
Obturator internus tendon
Nerve to Quadratus femoris (L4 , L5 , S1 )
Rotates laterally thigh
superior gemellus
spine of the ischium
Obturator internus tendon
Nerve to obturator internus (L5 , S1 , S2 )
Rotates laterally thigh
quadratus femoris
ischial tuberosity
intertrochanteric crest
inferior gluteal artery
nerve to quadratus femoris (L4 , L5 , -S1 )
lateral rotation of thigh
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
biceps femoris
long head: tuberosity of the ischium , short head: linea aspera , femur [6]
the head of the fibula [6] which articulates with the back of the lateral tibial condyle
inferior gluteal artery , perforating arteries , popliteal artery
long head: medial (tibial) part of sciatic nerve , short head: lateral (common fibular) part of sciatic nerve [6]
flexes knee joint , laterally rotates leg at knee (when knee is flexed), extends hip joint (long head only)[6]
Quadriceps muscle
semitendinosus
tuberosity of the ischium[6]
pes anserinus
inferior gluteal artery , perforating arteries
sciatic [6] (tibial , L5 , S1 , S2 )
flexes knee, extends hip joint, medially rotates leg at knee[6]
Quadriceps muscle
semimembranosus
tuberosity of the ischium[6]
Medial surface of tibia [6]
profunda femoris , gluteal artery
sciatic nerve [6]
flexes knee, extends hip joint, medially rotates leg at knee[6]
Quadriceps muscle
fibularis muscles :
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Artery
Nerve
Action
Antagonist
quadratus plantae
Calcaneus
Tendons of Flexor Digitorum Longus
lateral plantar nerve (S1 , S2 )
Assists Flexor Digitorum Longus in flexion of DIP joints
lumbrical muscle
tendons of flexor digitorum longus
medial aspect of extensor expansion of proximal phalanges of lateral four digits
lateral plantar artery and plantar arch, and four plantar metatarsal arteries
lateral plantar nerve (lateral three lumbricals) and medial plantar nerve (first lumbrical)
maintain extension of digits at interphalangeal joints
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Portions of content adapted from Wikipedia's article on List of muscles of the human body which is released under the CC BY-SA 3.0 .
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