List of skeletal muscles of the human body

This is a table of skeletal muscles of the human anatomy.

There are around 650 skeletal muscles within the typical human body.^[1][2][3] 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. Different sources group muscles differently, regarding what is defined as different parts of a single muscle or as several muscles. There are also vestigial muscles that are present in some people but absent in others, such as palmaris longus muscle.^[4][5]

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. The term "muscle" is omitted from muscle names (except when a muscle is an origin or insertion), and the term "bone" is omitted from bone names. The terms "artery" and "nerve" are both used when these structures are mentioned.

Head[]

Forehead/eyelid[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
occipitofrontalis	2 occipital bellies and 2 frontal bellies	epicranial aponeurosis		facial nerve [CNVII]	raises eyebrows
occipitalis	superior nuchal line of occipital bone, mastoid part of temporal bone		occipital artery	posterior auricular nerve (facial nerve [CNVII])	retracts scalp
frontalis	skin of eyebrow and glabella		ophthalmic artery	facial nerve [CNVII]	wrinkles eyebrow
orbicularis oculi	orbital part: frontal bone palpebral part: medial palpebral ligament lacrimal part: posterior crest of lacrimal bone	orbital part: lateral palpebral raphe palpebral part: lateral palpebral raphelacrimal part: Edges of eyelids	ophthalmic artery, zygomatico-orbital artery, angular artery	zygomatic branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	closes eyelids	levator palpebrae superioris
corrugator supercilii	nasal part of frontal bone	intermediate third of skin of eyebrow	ophthalmic artery	zygomatic branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	moves skin of forehead medially and inferiorly (towards root of nose)
depressor supercilii	nasal part of frontal bone, medial rim of orbit	medial third of skin of eyebrow			moves skin of eyebrows inferiorly

Extraocular muscles[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
levator palpebrae superioris	sphenoid bone	tarsal plate, upper eyelid	ophthalmic artery	oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	retracts and elevates eyelid	orbicularis oculi
superior tarsal	underside of levator palpebrae superioris	superior tarsal plate of eyelid		sympathetic nervous system	raises upper eyelid
Rectus muscles
superior	annulus of Zinn at orbital apex	7.5 mm superior to corneal limbus	ophthalmic artery	oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	elevates, adducts, and medially rotates eye
inferior		6.5 mm inferior to corneal limbus	ophthalmic artery	inferior branch of oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	depresses and adducts eye
medial		5.5 mm medial to corneal limbus	ophthalmic artery	inferior branch of oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	adducts eye
lateral		7 mm temporal to corneal limbus	ophthalmic artery	abducens nerve [CNVI]	abducts eye
Oblique muscles
superior	annulus of Zinn at orbital apex, medial to optic canal	outer posterior quadrant of eyeball	lateral muscular branch of ophthalmic artery	trochlear nerve [CNIV]	intorts, abducts, and depress eye
inferior	orbital surface of maxilla, lateral to lacrimal groove	laterally onto eyeball, deep to lateral rectus, by a short flat tendon		oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	extorts, elevates, and abducts eye

Ear[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
temporoparietalis	auriculares muscles	epicranial aponeurosis		facial nerve [CNVII]
Auriculares
auricularis anterior	temporal fascia	front of helix of ear		facial nerve [CNVII]	pulls auricle forwards
auricularis superior	epicranial aponeurosis	dorsocranial surface of auricle	posterior auricular artery		pulls auricle upwards
auricularis posterior	mastoid process of temporal bone, tendon of sternocleidomastoid	dorsal part of auricle	posterior auricular artery		pulls auricle backwards
Muscles of inner ear
stapedius		neck of stapes	stapedial branch of posterior auricular artery	facial nerve [CNVII]	controls amplitude of sound waves to inner ear
tensor tympani	Eustachian tube	handle of malleus	superior tympanic artery	medial pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	tenses tympanic membrane

Nose[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
procerus muscle	fascia over lower part of nasal bone	skin of lower part of forehead between eyebrows	facial artery	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	draws down medial angle of eyebrow (giving expressions of frowning)
depressor septi nasi	incisive fossa of maxilla	nasal septum and back part of alar part of nasalis	superior labial artery		depresses nasal septum
levator labii superioris alaeque nasi	frontal process of maxilla	nostril and upper lip	superior labial artery		dilates nostril, elevates upper lip, elevates wing of nose
nasalis
transverse part      (compressor naris)	alveolar yoke of canine tooth	lateral nasal cartilage	superior labial artery	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	compresses nostrils
alar part      (dilator naris)	alveolar yoke of lateral incisor tooth, greater and lesser alar cartilages	skin near margin of nostril			dilates nostrils

Mouth[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
levator anguli oris (caninus)	maxilla	modiolus of mouth	facial artery	facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates angle of mouth (smile)
depressor anguli oris (triangularis)	tubercle of mandible			mandibular branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	depresses angle of mouth (frown)
levator labii superioris	medial part of infra-orbital margin of maxilla	skin and muscle of upper lip (labii superioris)	superior labial artery	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates upper lip
depressor labii inferioris	oblique line of mandible, between symphysis and mental foramen	integument of lower lip, orbicularis oris fibers, its fellow of opposite side	inferior labial artery	facial nerve [CNVII]	depresses lower lip
mentalis	alveolar yoke of lower, lateral incisor tooth, found on anterior mandible	skin of chin		mandibular branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates and wrinkles skin of chin, protrudes lower lip
buccinator	alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible, pterygomandibular raphe	fibres of orbicularis oris	buccal artery	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	compress cheeks against teeth (blowing), mastication
orbicularis oris	maxilla and mandible	skin around lips	superior labial artery, inferior labial artery		puckers lips
risorius	parotid fascia	modiolus of mouth	facial artery		draw back angle of mouth
Zygomatic muscles
major	zygomatic bone in region of zygomaticomaxillary suture	modiolus of mouth	facial artery	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	draws angle of mouth upward and laterally
minor		skin of upper lip			elevates upper lip

Mastication[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
masseter	anterior two-thirds of inferior margin of zygomatic arch and maxilla	angle of mandible, masseteric tuberosity of mandible	masseteric artery	masseteric nerve, from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	elevates and retracts mandible (closes of mouth)	platysma
temporalis	temporal lines on parietal bone of skull	coronoid process of mandible	deep temporal arteries	mandibular nerve [CNV3]
Pterygoid muscles
lateral	greater wing of sphenoid and lateral pterygoid process	condyloid process of mandible	pterygoid branches of maxillary artery	external pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	depresses mandible
medial	deep head: medial side of lateral pterygoid plate behind upper teeth superficial head: pyramidal process of palatine bone and maxillary tuberosity	medial angle of mandible		medial pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	elevates mandible, closes jaw, helps lateral pterygoid in moving jaw from side to side

Tongue[]

Extrinsic muscle[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
genioglossus	superior part of mental spine of mandible (symphysis menti)	dorsum of tongue, body of hyoid	lingual artery	hypoglossal nerve [CNXII]	inferior fibers: protrudes tongue middle fibers: depresses tongue superior fibers: draws tip of tongue back and down
hyoglossus	hyoid	side of tongue			depresses tongue
chondroglossus	lesser cornu and body of hyoid bone	intrinsic muscular fibers of tongue			depresses tongue (some consider this muscle to be part of hyoglossus)
styloglossus	styloid process of temporal bone	tongue	sublingual branch of lingual artery		elevates and retracts tongue	inferior and middle fibers of genioglossus
palatoglossus	palatine aponeurosis			vagus nerve [CNX], accessory nerve [CNXI]	raising back part of tongue

Intrinsic[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
superior longitudinal	close to epiglottis, from median fibrous septum	edges of tongue		hypoglossal nerve [CNXII]	shortens, turns tip upward, turns lateral margins upward
transversus	median fibrous septum	sides of tongue			narrows and not elongated
inferior longitudinal	root of tongue	apex of tongue			shortens, retracts, pulls tip downward
verticalis	dorsum of tongue	inferior surface borders of tongue

Soft palate[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
tensor veli palatini	medial pterygoid plate of sphenoid bone	palatine aponeurosis	medial pterygoid of mandibular nerve	medial pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	tenses soft palate, aids in swallowing
musculus uvulae	hard palate		pharyngeal plexus	pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve [CNX]	moves and changes shape of uvula
palatoglossus	palatine aponeurosis	tongue		vagus nerve [CNX], accessory nerve [CNXI]	aids in breathing by raising back part of tongue
palatopharyngeus	palatine aponeurosis and hard palate	upper border of thyroid cartilage (blends with constrictor fibers)	facial artery		aids in breathing by pulling pharynx and larynx

Pharynx[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
stylopharyngeus	styloid process of temporal bone	thyroid cartilage (pharynx)	pharyngeal branches of ascending pharyngeal artery	glossopharyngeal nerve [CNIX]	elevates larynx, elevates pharynx, swallowing
salpingopharyngeus	cartilage of Eustachian tube	posterior fasciculus of pharyngopalatinus		vagus nerve [CNX], accessory nerve [CNXI]	raises nasopharynx
Pharyngeal muscles
inferior	cricoid and thyroid cartilage	pharyngeal raphe	pharyngeal branches of ascending pharyngeal artery	external laryngeal branch of vagus nerve [CNX]	swallowing
middle	hyoid bone			vagus nerve [CNX]
superior	medial pterygoid plate, pterygomandibular raphé, alveolar process	pharyngeal raphe, pharyngeal tubercle

Larynx[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
cricothyroid	anterior and lateral cricoid cartilage	inferior cornu and lamina of thyroid cartilage	cricothyroid branch of superior thyroid artery	external laryngeal branch of vagus nerve [CNX]	tenses and elongates vocal folds (has minor adductory effect)
arytenoid	arytenoid cartilage on one side	arytenoid cartilage on opposite side	superior laryngeal branch of superior thyroid artery	recurrent laryngeal branch of vagus nerve [CNX]	approximates arytenoid cartilages (closes rima glottidis)
thyroarytenoid	inner surface of thyroid cartilage (anterior surface)	anterior surface of arytenoid cartilage			thickens vocal folds and decreases length; adducts vocal folds during speech
Cricoarytenoid muscles
posterior	posterior part of cricoid cartilage	muscular process of arytenoid cartilage		recurrent laryngeal branch of vagus nerve [CNX]	abducts and laterally rotates cartilage, pulling vocal ligaments away from midline and forward and so opening rima glottidis	lateral cricoarytenoid
lateral	lateral part of arch of cricoid cartilage				adducts and medially rotates cartilage, pulling vocal ligaments towards midline and backwards and so closing rima glottidis

Neck[]

Clavicular[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
platysma	base of mandible	inferior clavicle and fascia of chest	branches of submental artery, branches of suprascapular artery	cervical branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	tenses skin of neck	masseter, temporalis
sternocleidomastoid	sternal head: manubrium sterni clavicular head: medial portion of clavicle	mastoid process of temporal bone, superior nuchal line	occipital artery, superior thyroid artery	motor: accessory nerve sensory: cervical plexus	acting alone: tilts head to its own side, rotates head so face is turned towards opposite side acting together: flexes neck, raises sternum, assists in forced inspiration ||

Suprahyoid[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
digastric	anterior belly: digastric fossa (mandible) posterior belly: mastoid process of temporal bone	intermediate tendon (lesser horn of hyoid bone)	anterior belly: submental branch of facial artery posterior belly: occipital artery	anterior belly: mandibular nerve [CNV3] via mylohyoid nerve posterior belly: facial nerve [CNVII]	opens jaw when masseter and temporalis are relaxed
stylohyoid	styloid process of temporal bone	greater horn of hyoid bone	occipital artery	facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates hyoid during swallowing
mylohyoid	mylohyoid line of mandible	pharyngeal raphe	mylohyoid branch of inferior alveolar artery	mylohyoid nerve, from inferior alveolar branch of mandibular nerve [CNV3]	raises oral cavity floor, elevates hyoid, depresses mandible
geniohyoid	mandibular symphysis	anterior surface of body of hyoid bone		C1 via hypoglossal nerve	elevates hyoid and tongue upward during deglutition

Infrahyoid[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
sternohyoid	manubrium of sternum	hyoid bone	superior thyroid artery	ansa cervicalis	depresses hyoid
sternothyroid		thyroid cartilage			depresses larynx, may slightly depress hyoid
thyrohyoid	thyroid cartilage	hyoid bone		C1	depress hyoid
omohyoid	upper border of scapula		inferior thyroid artery	ansa cervicalis	depresses larynx, depresses and moves to side hyoid

Neck[]

Anterior[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
longus colli	transverse processes of vertebrae C3, C4, C5, and C6	anterior arch of atlas		C2, C3, C4, C5, C6	flexes neck and head
longus capitis	anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C3, C4, C5, and C6	basilar part of occipital bone		C1, C2, C3/C4	flexes neck at atlanto-occipital joint
rectus capitis anterior	atlas	occipital bone		C1
rectus capitis lateralis	upper surface of transverse process of atlas	under surface of jugular process of occipital bone			sidebens at atlanto-occipital joint

Lateral[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
scalene	cervical vertebrae	first and second ribs	ascending cervical artery (branch of inferior thyroid artery)	cervical nerves (C3, C4, C5, C6, C7)	elevates 1st and 2nd rib
anterior	C3-C6	first rib		ventral ramus of C5, C6	when neck is fixed, elevates first rib to aid in breathing or when rib is fixed, bends neck forward and sideways and rotates it to opposite side
medius	C2-C6			ventral rami of third to eighth cervical spinal nerves	elevates 1st rib, rotate neck to opposite side
posterior	transverse processes of C4 – C6	second rib	ascending cervical artery, superficial cervical artery	C6, C7, C8	elevates 2nd rib, tilts neck to 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, tilts glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula	serratus anterior
rectus capitis lateralis	upper surface of transverse process of atlas (C1)	under surface of jugular process of occipital bone		C1
obliquus capitis superior	lateral mass of atlas	lateral half of inferior nuchal line		suboccipital nerve
obliquus capitis inferior	spinous process of axis	lateral mass of atlas		suboccipital nerve

Posterior[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
rectus capitis posterior minor	tubercle on posterior arch of atlas (C1)	medial part of inferior nuchal line of occipital bone and surface between it and foramen magnum		a branch of dorsal primary division of suboccipital nerve	extends head at neck, but is now considered to be more of a sensory organ than a muscle
rectus capitis posterior major	spinous process of axis (C2)	inferior nucheal line of occipital bone		dorsal ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve)
semispinalis capitis	articular processes of C4-C6; transverse processes of C7 and T1-T7	occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines		greater occipital nerve	extends head
longissimus capitis	articular processes of C4-C7; transverse processes of T1-T5	posterior margin of mastoid process	lateral sacral artery	posterior branch of spinal nerve	laterally: Flexes head and neck to same side. bilaterally: Extend vertebral column ||
splenius capitis	ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes of C7-T6	mastoid process		C3, C4	extends, rotates, and laterally flex head
obliquus capitis superior	lateral mass of atlas	lateral half of inferior nuchal line		suboccipital nerve
obliquus capitis inferior	spinous process of axis	lateral mass of atlas

Torso[]

Back[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
erector spinae	spines of last four thoracic vertebrae	both spines of most cranial thoracic vertebrae and cervical vertebrae	lateral sacral artery	posterior branch of spinal nerve	extends vertebral column	rectus abdominis
iliocostalis
longissimus	transverse process	transverse process
spinalis	spinous process	spinous process
latissimus dorsi	spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs	floor of intertubercular groove of humerus	subscapular artery, dorsal scapular artery	thoracodorsal nerve	pulls forelimb dorsally and caudally	deltoid, trapezius
transversospinales	transverse process	spinous process		posterior branches of spinal nerve
semispinalis thoracis (dorsi)	transverse processes of sixth to tenth thoracic vertebrae	spinous processes of upper four thoracic vertebrae and lower two cervical vertebrae
semispinalis cervicis (colli)	transverse processes of upper five or six thoracic vertebrae	cervical spinous processes, from axis to fifth
semispinalis capitis (complexus)	transversal process of lower cervical and higher thoracal columna	area between superior and inferior nuchal line		greater occipital nerve	extends 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			posterior branch
interspinales	spinous process			posterior rami of spinal nerves	extends, flexes, and rotates vertebral column
intertransversarii	transverse process	transverse process above			laterally flexes trunk
splenius
capitis	nuchal ligament, spinous process of C7-T6	mastoid process of temporal bone, occipital bone		C3, C4	extends, rotates, and laterally flexes head
cervicis	spinous processes of T3-T6	transverse processes of C1, C2, C3		C5, C6

Chest[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
intercostals	ribs 1–11	ribs 2–12	intercostal arteries	intercostal nerves
external					inhalation	internal
internal	rib – inferior border	rib – superior border			holds ribs steady	external
innermost					elevates ribs
subcostales	inner surface of one rib	inner surface of second or third rib above, near its angle
transversus thoracis	costal cartilages of last 3–4 ribs, body of sternum, xiphoid process	ribs/costal cartilages 2–6			depresses ribs
levatores costarum	transverse processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae	superior surfaces of ribs immediately inferior to preceding vertebrae		dorsal rami – C8, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11	assists in elevation of thoracic rib cage
Serratus posterior muscles
inferior	vertebrae T11 – L3	inferior borders of 9th through 12th ribs	intercostal arteries	intercostal nerves	depresses lower ribs, aiding in expiration
superior	nuchal ligament (or ligamentum nuchae) and spinous processes of vertebrae C7 through T3	upper borders of 2nd through 5th ribs		2nd through 5th intercostal nerves	elevates ribs, aiding in inspiration
diaphragm			pericardiacophrenic artery, musculophrenic artery, inferior phrenic arteries	phrenic and lower intercostal nerves	breathing

Pelvis[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
coccygeus	sacrospinous ligament	coccyx		sacral nerves: S4, S5 or S3-S4	closes back part of pelvic outlet
Levator ani
iliococcygeus	ischial spine, posterior part of tendinous arch of pelvic fascia	coccyx and anococcygeal raphe	inferior gluteal artery	levator ani nerve (S4) inferior rectal nerve from pudendal nerve (S3, S4) coccygeal plexus	supports organs in pelvic cavity
pubococcygeus	back surface of pubis, anterior part of obturator fascia	coccyx and sacrum			controls urine flow, contracts during orgasm
puborectalis	lower part of pubic symphysis	-		S3, S4. levator ani nerve	inhibits defecation

Perineum[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
Sphincter ani
externus	-	-	inferior rectal artery	S4 and twigs from inferior anal nerves of pudendal nerve	keeps anal canal and anus closed, aids in expulsion of feces
internus	-	-		pudendal nerve
Superficial perineal pouch
transversus perinei superficialis	anterior surface of ischial tuberosity	central point of perineum	perineal artery	pudendal nerve
bulbospongiosus	perineal raphe	-			empties urethra (men) clenches vagina (women) ||
ischiocavernosus	ischial tuberosity	crus of penis (men) crus of clitoris (women)			assists bulbospongiosus
Deep perineal pouch
transversus perinei profundus	inferior ramus of ischium	its fellow of opposite side		pudendal nerve
sphincter urethrae membranaceae	junction of inferior rami of pubis and ischium about 1.25 – 2 cm, and from neighboring fascia			perineal branch of pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4)	constricts urethra, maintains urinary continence

Upper limb[]

Vertebral column[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
trapezius	down midline, external occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament, medial part of superior nuchal line, spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T12	at shoulders, lateral third of clavicle, acromion of scapula, spine of scapula	transverse cervical artery	motor: accessory nerve [CNXI] sensory: cervical nerves C3 and C4	retracts and elevates scapula	serratus anterior
latissimus dorsi	spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs	floor of intertubercular groove of humerus	subscapular artery, dorsal scapular artery	thoracodorsal nerve	pulls forelimb dorsally and caudally	deltoid, trapezius
rhomboids	nuchal ligaments, spinous processes of C7-T5 vertebrae	medial border of scapula	dorsal scapular artery	dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5)	retracts scapula and rotates it to depress glenoid cavity, fixes scapula to thoracic wall	serratus anterior
rhomboid major	spinous processes of T2 to T5 vertebrae	medial border of scapula, inferior to insertion of rhomboid minor
rhomboid minor	nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7- to T1 vertebrae	medial border of scapula, superior to insertion of rhomboid major
levator scapulae	posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 – C4 vertebrae	superior part of medial border of scapula		cervical nerve (C3, C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5)	elevates scapula, tilts glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula

Thoracic walls[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
pectoralis major	clavicular head: anterior surface of medial half of clavicle sternocostal head: anterior surface of sternum, superior six costal cartilages	intertubercular groove of humerus	pectoral branch of thoracoacromial artery	lateral pectoral nerve, medial pectoral nerve clavicular head: C5 and C6 sternocostal head: C7, C8 and T1	adducts and medially rotates humerus, draws scapula anteriorly and inferiorly clavicular head: flexes humerus sternocostal head: extends humerus
pectoralis minor	3rd to 5th ribs, near their costal cartilages	medial border and superior surface of coracoid process of scapula		medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1)	stabilizes scapula by drawing it inferiorly and anteriorly against thoracic wall
subclavius	first rib	subclavian groove of clavicle	thoracoacromial artery, clavicular branch	subclavian nerve	depresses clavicle
serratus anterior	fleshy slips from outer surface of upper 8 or 9 ribs	costal surface of medial margin of scapula	upper part: lateral thoracic artery lower part:thoracodorsal artery	long thoracic nerve (from roots of brachial plexus C5, C6, C7)	protracts and stabilises scapula, assists in upward rotation	rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, trapezius

Shoulder[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
deltoid	clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula	deltoid tuberosity of humerus	primarily posterior circumflex humeral artery	axillary nerve	abducts, flexes, and extends shoulder	latissimus dorsi
teres major	posterior surface of inferior angle of scapula	medial lip of intertubercular sulcus of humerus	subscapular artery, circumflex scapular artery	lower subscapular nerve (segmental levels C5 and C6)	internally rotates humerus
Rotator cuff
supraspinatus	supraspinous fossa of scapula	superior facet of greater tubercle of humerus	suprascapular artery	suprascapular nerve	abducts and stabilises humerus	infraspinatus, teres minor, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi
infraspinatus	infraspinous fossa of scapula	middle facet of greater tubercle of humerus	suprascapular artery, circumflex scapular artery		laterally rotates, adducts, and stabilises humerus	subscapularis, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi
teres minor	lateral border of scapula	inferior facet of greater tubercle of humerus	posterior circumflex humeral artery, circumflex scapular artery	axillary nerve	laterally rotates and adducts humerus	subscapularis, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi
subscapularis	subscapular fossa of scapula	lesser tubercle of humerus	subscapular artery	upper subscapular nerve, lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6)	medially rotates humerus, stabilizes shoulder	infraspinatus, teres minor

Arm[]

Anterior compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
coracobrachialis	coracoid process of scapula	medial surface of humerus	brachial artery	musculocutaneous nerve	flexes and adducts shoulder
biceps brachii	short head: coracoid process of scapula long head: supraglenoid tubercle	radial tuberosity, bicipital aponeurosis		musculocutaneous nerve (lateral cord: C5, C6, C7)	flexes elbow, supinates forearm	triceps brachii
brachialis	anterior surface of humerus (mainly distal half)	coronoid process of ulna, tuberosity of ulna	radial recurrent artery	musculocutaneous nerve	flexes elbow

Posterior compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
triceps brachii	long head: infraglenoid tubercle of scapula lateral head: posterior humerus (above radial sulcus) medial head: posterior humerus - (below radial sulcus)	olecranon of ulna	deep artery of arm	radial nerve	extends forearm long head: adducts shoulder medial head: does not function at shoulder	biceps brachii, brachialis
anconeus	lateral epicondyle of humerus	lateral surface of olecranon, superior part of posterior ulna	deep artery of arm, interosseous recurrent artery	radial nerve (C7, C8, and T1)	partly blended with triceps, extendsforearm, stabilises elbow, abducts ulna during pronation

Forearm[]

Anterior compartment[]

Superficial[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
pronator teres	humeral head: medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon) ulnar head: coronoid process of ulna	pronator tuberosity of radius	ulnar artery, radial artery	median nerve	pronates forearm, flexes elbow	supinator
flexor carpi radialis	medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon)	bases of second metacarpal, base of third metacarpal	radial artery		flexes and abducts wrist	extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus
palmaris longus		palmar aponeurosis	ulnar artery		flexes wrist	extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi ulnaris
flexor carpi ulnaris		pisiform, hook of hamate, base of fifth metacarpal		muscular branches of ulnar nerve	flexes and adducts wrist	extensor carpi ulnaris
flexor digitorum superficialis	medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon), parts of radius and ulna	bases of middle phalanges 2, 3, 4, and 5		median nerve	flexes fingers (primarily at proximal interphalangeal joints)	extensor digitorum

Deep[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
pronator quadratus	medial anterior surface of ulna	lateral anterior surface of radius	anterior interosseous artery	anterior interosseous nerve (median nerve)	weakly pronates forearm	supinator
flexor digitorum profundus	ulna	distal phalanges		lateral belly: anterior interosseous nerve (median nerve) medial belly: muscular branches of ulna nerve	flexes wrist, flexes interphalangeal joints	extensor digitorum
flexor pollicis longus	middle half of volar surface of radius, interosseus membrane	base of distal phalanx of thumb		anterior interosseous nerve (median nerve) (C8, T1)	flexes thumb	extensor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis

Posterior compartment[]

Superficial[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
extensor digitorum	lateral epicondyle of humerus (common extensor tendon)	2nd–5th phalanges	posterior interosseous artery	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extends hand, extends fingers	flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus
extensor digiti minimi	anterior surface of lateral epicondyle of humerus (common extensor tendon)	extensor expansion, located at base of proximal phalanx on dorsal side			extends little finger at all joints	flexor digiti minimi brevis
extensor carpi ulnaris	lateral epicondyle of humerus (common extensor tendon), ulna	5th metacarpal	ulnar artery		extends and adducts wrist	flexor carpi ulnaris
Mobile wad
brachioradialis	lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus	radial styloid process (distal radius)	radial recurrent artery	radial nerve	flexes forearm, pronates forearm when supine, supinates forearm when prone
extensor carpi radialis longus		2nd metacarpal	radial artery		extends wrist joint, abducts hand at wrist	flexor carpi radialis
extensor carpi radialis brevis	anterior surface of lateral epicondyle of humerus (common extensor tendon)	base of 3rd metacarpal		posterior interosseus nerve

Deep[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
supinator	lateral epicondyle of humerus, supinator crest of ulna, radial collateral ligament, annular ligament	lateral proximal shaft of radius	radial recurrent artery	posterior interosseus nerve (C7, C8)	supinates forearm	pronator teres, pronator quadratus
extensor indicis	ulna	index finger (extensor hood)			extends index finger, wrist
Anatomical snuff box
abductor pollicis longus	ulna	first metacarpal	posterior interosseous artery	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	abducts and extends thumb	adductor pollicis
extensor pollicis brevis	radius, interosseous membrane of forearm	proximal phalanx of thumb			extends thumb at metacarpophalangeal joint	flexor pollicis longus, flexor pollicis brevis
extensor pollicis longus	ulna, interosseous membrane of forearm	distal phalanx of thumb			extends thumb (metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal)

Hand[]

Lateral volar[]

Thenar[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
opponens pollicis	trapezium, transverse carpal ligament	metacarpal bone of thumb on its radial side	superficial palmar arch	median nerve	opposes thumb
flexor pollicis brevis	trapezoid, flexor retinaculum	thumb, proximal phalanx		median nerve, deep branch of ulnar nerve (medial head)	flexes thumb	extensor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis
abductor pollicis brevis	flexor retinaculum of hand, scaphoid and trapezium	radial base of proximal phalanx of thumb and thumb extensors		median nerve	abducts thumb	adductor pollicis
adductor pollicis	transverse head: anterior body of third metacarpal oblique head: bases of second and third metacarpals and adjacent trapezoid and capitate bones	medial side of base of proximal phalanx of thumb and ulnar sesamoid	deep palmar arch	deep branch of ulnar nerve (T1)	adducts thumb at carpometacarpal joint	abductor pollicis longus, abductor pollicis brevis

Medial volar[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
palmaris brevis	flexor retinaculum (medial), palmar aponeurosis	palm	palmar metacarpal artery	superficial branch of ulnar nerve	wrinkle skin of palm
hypothenar
abductor digiti minimi	pisiform	base of proximal phalanx of 5th digit on ulnar or medial side	ulnar artery	deep branch of ulnar nerve	abducts little finger
flexor digiti minimi brevis	hamate bone	little finger		deep branch of ulnar nerve	flexes little finger	extensor digiti minimi
opponens digiti minimi	hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum	medial border of 5th metacarpal		deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8 and T1)	draws 5th metacarpal anteriorly and rotates it, bringing little finger (5th digit) into opposition with thumb

Intermediate[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
lumbrical	flexor digitorum profundus	extensor expansion	superficial palmar arch, common palmar digital arteries, deep palmar arch, dorsal digital artery	deep branch of ulnar nerve, median nerve	flex metacarpophalangeal joints, extend interphalangeal joints
dorsal interossei	metacarpals	proximal phalanges	dorsal metacarpal artery, palmar metacarpal artery	deep branch of ulnar nerve	abduct fingers	palmar interossei
palmar interossei			palmar metacarpal artery		adduct fingers	dorsal interossei

Lower limb[]

Iliac region[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
iliopsoas	iliac fossa (iliacus), sacrum (iliacus), spine (T12, L1, lumbar vertebra, psoas major, psoas minor)[6]	lesser trochanter of femur (psoas major), shaft below lesser trochanter (iliacus), tendon of psoas major & femur (iliacus)[6]	medial femoral circumflex artery, iliolumbar artery	femoral nerve, lumbar nerves L1, L2	flexes hip (psoas major/minor, iliacus), spine rotation (psoas major/minor)	gluteus maximus, posterior compartment of thigh
psoas major	transverse processes, bodies and intervertebral discs of T12-L5 vertebrae	lesser trochanter of femur	iliolumbar artery	lumbar plexus via anterior branches of L1, L2, L3[7]	flexes and rotates laterally thigh	gluteus maximus
psoas minor	side of T11+L1 and IV intervertebral disc	Pectineal line and iliopectineal eminence	iliolumbar artery, lumbar arteries	L1	weakly flexes trunk flexor
iliacus	iliac fossa	lesser trochanter of femur	medial femoral circumflex artery, Iliolumbar artery	femoral nerve (L2, L3[7])	flexes hip[8]

Gluteal[]

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)	flexes thigh, medially rotates thigh, stabilises torso
gluteal
gluteus maximus	gluteal surface of ilium, lumbar fascia, sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament	gluteal tuberosity of femur, iliotibial tract	superior gluteal artery, inferior gluteal artery	inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2 nerve roots)	externally rotates and extends hip joint, supports extended knee through iliotibial tract, chief antigravity muscle in sitting	Iliacus, psoas major, psoas minor
gluteus medius	gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus maximus	greater trochanter of femur	superior gluteal artery	superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots)	abduction of hip; preventing adduction of hip Medial rotation of thigh	lateral rotator group
gluteus minimus	gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus medius
lateral rotator group	at or below acetabulum of ilium	on or near greater trochanter of femur	inferior gluteal artery, lateral sacral artery, superior gluteal artery	obturator nerve, piriformis nerve, nerve to quadratus femoris	laterally rotates hip	gluteus minimus, gluteus medius
piriformis	sacrum	greater trochanter		piriformis nerve (S1 and S2 nerve roots)[9]	laterally rotates (outward) thigh
obturator externus	obturator foramen and obturatory membrane	medial surface of greater trochanter of femur	obturator artery	posterior branch of obturator nerve (L3, L4)	adduct thigh, rotate laterally thigh
superior gemellus	ischial spine			nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2)
obturator internus	ischiopubic ramus, obturator membrane	medial surface of greater trochanter of femur			abducts & rotates laterally thigh, stabilises hip during walking
inferior gemellus	ischial tuberosity	obturator internus tendon		nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1)	laterally rotates thigh
quadratus femoris		intertrochanteric crest	inferior gluteal artery

Thigh[]

Anterior compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
articularis genus	femur	suprapatellar bursa	femoral artery	femoral nerve	pulls suprapatellar bursa during extension of knee
sartorius	superior to anterior superior iliac spine	medial side of upper tibia in pes anserinus			flexes, laterally rotates, and abducts thigh, flexes and medially rotates leg
quadriceps femoris	combined rectus femoris and vastus muscles	patella and tibial tuberosity via patellar tendon			extends knee, flexes hip (rectus femoris only)	hamstring
rectus femoris	anterior inferior iliac spine and exterior surface of bony ridge which forms iliac portion of acetabulum				knee extension; hip flexion
vastus lateralis	greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line, and linea aspera of femur				extends knee
vastus intermedius	anterior surface of femur
vastus medialis	anteromedial surface of femur

Posterior compartment/hamstring[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
hamstring						quadriceps femoris
biceps femoris	long head: ischial tuberosity short head: linea aspera of femur[10]	head of fibula[10] articulating with back of 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[10]	flexes knee joint, laterally rotates leg at knee (when knee is flexed), extends hip joint (long head only)[10]
semitendinosus	ischial tuberosity[10]	pes anserinus	inferior gluteal artery, perforating arteries	sciatic nerve[10] (tibial, L5, S1, S2)	flexes knee, extends hip, medially rotates leg at knee[10]
semimembranosus		medial surface of tibia[10]	profunda femoris, gluteal artery	sciatic nerve[10]

Medial compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
adductor muscles of the hip	pubis	femur, tibia	obturator artery	obturator nerve	adducts hip	gluteus medius, gluteus minimus
gracilis	inferior pubic ramus[11]	tibia (pes anserinus)		anterior branch of obturator nerve[11]	adducts hip, flexes hip, medially rotates knee[11]
pectineus	superior pubic ramus[11]	lesser trochanter, linea aspera		femoral nerve and obturator nerve (medial compartment)[11]	flexes and adducts hip[11]
adductor brevis	anterior surface of inferior pubic ramus[11]	lesser trochanter and linea aspera of femur		anterior branch of obturator nerve[11]	adducts hip[11]
adductor longus	pubic body just below pubic crest	middle third of linea aspera			adducts and medially rotates hip[11]
adductor magnus	[11]	femur, adductor tubercle of femur		posterior branch of obturator nerve (adductor) and tibial part of sciatic nerve (vertical head)[11][12]	adducts hip[11]

Leg[]

Anterior compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
tibialis anterior	body of tibia	medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones of foot	anterior tibial artery	deep fibular nerve	dorsiflexes and inverts foot	fibularis longus, gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis posterior
extensor hallucis longus	middle portion of anterior surface of fibula, anterior surface of interosseous membrane	dorsal side of base of distal phalanx of hallux			extends big toe, assists in dorsiflexion of foot at ankle, weakly inverts foot	flexor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis brevis
extensor digitorum longus	lateral condyle of tibia, superior ¾ of interosseous membrane	middle and distal phalanges of lateral four digits			extension of toes and ankle	flexor digitorum longus, flexor digitorum brevis
fibularis tertius	distal anterior surface of fibula	dorsal surface of fifth metatarsal			dorsi flexes and everts foot

Posterior compartment[]

Superficial[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
triceps surae		achilles tendon, calcaneus	posterior tibial artery	tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle
gastrocnemius	medial condyle and lateral condyle of femur	calcaneus	sural arteries	tibial nerve from sciatic nerve, specifically, nerve roots S1, S2	plantarflexes ankle, flexes knee (minor)	tibialis anterior
soleus	fibula, medial border of tibia (soleal line)	tendo calcaneus		tibial nerve, specifically, nerve roots L5–S2	plantarflexes ankle
plantaris	lateral supracondylar ridge of femur above lateral head of gastrocnemius	calcaneal tendon (medial side, deep to gastrocnemius tendon)		tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle, flexes knee

Deep[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
popliteus	middle facet of lateral surface of lateral femoral condyle	posterior tibia under tibial condyles	popliteal artery	tibial nerve	medially rotates and flexes knee
tarsal tunnel
flexor hallucis longus	posterior surface of upper 1/3 of fibula	base of distal phalanx of hallux	fibular artery (peroneal branch of posterior tibial artery	tibial nerve, S1, S2 nerve roots	flexes all joints of big toe, plantarflexes ankle	extensor hallucis longus
flexor digitorum longus	medial tibia	distal phalanges of lateral four digits	posterior tibial artery	tibial nerve	flexes toes	extensor digitorum longus, extensor digitorum brevis
tibialis posterior	tibia, fibula	navicular, medial cuneiform			inverts foot, plantarflexes foot at ankle	tibialis anterior

Lateral compartment[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
fibularis longus	fibula	first metatarsal, medial cuneiform	fibular artery	superficial fibular nerve	plantarflexes and everts ankle	tibialis anterior
fibularis brevis	fibula	fifth metatarsal	fibular artery	superficial fibular nerve	plantarflexes and everts ankle	tibialis posterior

Foot[]

Dorsal[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
extensor digitorum brevis	calcaneus	toes		deep fibular nerve	extends digits 2, 3, and 4	flexor digitorum longus, flexor digitorum brevis
extensor hallucis brevis		base of proximal phalanx of big toe		deep fibular nerve	extends big toe	flexor hallucis brevis
dorsal interossei of foot	metatarsals	proximal phalanges		lateral plantar nerve(fourth interosseous space: superficial branch others: deep branch), first and second interossei: lateral branch of deep fibular nerve	abducts toes	plantar interossei

Plantar[]

First layer[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
abductor hallucis	medial process of calcaneus, flexor retinaculum, plantar aponeurosis	medial side of base of proximal phalanx of first digit		medial plantar nerve	abducts hallux	adductor hallucis
flexor digitorum brevis	medial process of calcaneus, plantar aponeurosis, intermuscular septa	middle phalanges of digits 2–5			flexes lateral four toes	extensor digitorum longus, extensor digitorum brevis
abductor digiti minimi	plantar aponeurosis	phalanges of fifth toe	lateral plantar artery	lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2)	flexes and abducts fifth toe	flexor digiti minimi brevis

Second layer[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
quadratus plantae	calcaneus	tendons of flexor digitorum longus		lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2)	flexes distal interphalangeal joints (assists flexor digitorum longus)
lumbricals	tendons of flexor digitorum longus	medial surface of extensor expansion of proximal phalanges of lateral four toes	lateral plantar artery, plantar arch, four plantar metatarsal arteries	lateral plantar nerve (lateral three lumbricals) and medial plantar nerve (first lumbrical)	maintain extension of digits at interphalangeal joints

Third layer[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
flexor hallucis brevis	plantar surface of cuneiforms, plantar calcaneocuboid ligament, long plantar ligament	medial head: medial sesamoid bone of metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe lateral head: lateral sesamoid bone of metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe		medial plantar nerve	flexes big toe	extensor hallucis longus
adductor hallucis	oblique head: proximal ends of middle 3 metatarsals transverse head: metatarsophalangeal joints, ligaments of lateral 3 toes	lateral side of base of proximal phalanx of big toe, sesamoid		lateral plantar nerve	adducts big toe	abductor hallucis
flexor digiti minimi brevis	fifth metatarsal bone	phalanx of fifth toe		lateral plantar nerve (superficial branch)	extends and adducts fifth toe	abductor digiti minimi

Fourth layer[]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action	Antagonist
plantar interossei	tendons of plantar Interossei	proximal phalanges III-V - muscles cross the metatarsophalangeal joint of toes III-V so the insertions correspond with the origin and there is no crossing between toes	plantar arch, dorsal metatarsal artery	lateral plantar nerve	adducts toes 3 - 5, strengthens transverse arch	dorsal interossei
dorsal interossei	metatarsals	proximal phalanges		lateral plantar nerve	abducts toes	plantar interossei

Innervation overview[]

See also[]

• Accessory muscle
• List of bones of the human skeleton
• List of nerves of the human body
• Circulatory system
• Blood vessel

References[]

External links[]

• LUMEN's Master Muscle List
• PT Central - Complete Muscle Tables for the Human Body
• Lower Extremity Muscle Atlas
• Tutorial and quizzes on skeletal muscular anatomy
• Muscles of human body (also here)
• Anatomy quiz

Part of a series of lists about
Human anatomy
General Features Regions Variations Movements Systems
Structures Arteries Bones Eponymous Foramina Glands endocrine Lymphatic vessels Nerves Organs Systems Veins
Muscles Abductors Adductors Depressors Elevators Extensors Flexors Rotators external internal
See also Glossary of medicine Epithelia Anatomical terminology Index of anatomy articles Outline of anatomy Cell types by origin
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