ANATOMY

OF MUSCLES

Compiled by:

ZAMORA, APPLE GRACE T.

Physical Therapy Intern
New Era University, Quezon City
September 2019
 Extrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Striated Skeletal Muscle)

Superior rectus
Origin: Tendinous ring on
posterior wall of
orbital cavity
Insertion: Superior surface of
eyeball just posterior to
corneoscleral junction
Nerve Supply: Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)
Action: Raises cornea upward and
Medially

Inferior rectus
Origin: Tendinous ring on
posterior wall of
orbital cavity
Insertion: Inferior surface of eyeball just
posterior to corneoscleral
junction
Nerve Supply: Oculomotor nerve
 (3rd cranial nerve)
Action: Depresses cornea
downward and medially

Medial rectus
Origin: Tendinous ring on
posterior wall of
orbital cavity
Insertion: Medial surface of eyeball just
posterior to corneoscleral
junction
Nerve Supply: Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)
Action: Rotates eyeball so that
cornea looks medially

Lateral rectus
Origin: Tendinous ring on
posterior wall of
orbital cavity
Insertion: Lateral surface of eyeball just
posterior to corneoscleral
junction
Nerve Supply: Abducent nerve (6th
cranial nerve)
Action: Rotates eyeball so that
cornea looks laterally

Superior oblique
Origin: Posterior wall of
orbital cavity
Insertion: Passes through pulley and
is attached to superior
surface of eyeball beneath
superior rectus
Nerve Supply: Trochlear nerve
(4th cranial nerve)
Action: Rotates eyeball so that
cornea looks downward
and laterally
 Inferior oblique
Origin: Floor of orbital cavity
Insertion: Lateral surface of eyeball
deep to lateral rectus
Nerve Supply: Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)
Action: Rotates eyeball so that
cornea looks upward and
laterally

Intrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Smooth Muscle)

Sphincter pupillae
of iris
Origin:
Insertion:
Nerve Supply: Parasympathetic via
oculomotor nerve
Action: Constricts pupil

Dilator pupillae
of iris
Origin:
 Insertion:
Nerve Supply: Sympathetic
Action: Dilates pupil

Ciliary muscle
Origin:
Insertion:
Nerve Supply: Parasympathetic via
oculomotor nerve
Action: Controls shape of lens; in
accommodation, makes
lens more globular

Muscles of Eyelids

Levator palpebrae
Superioris
Origin: Back of orbital cavity
Insertion: Anterior surface and upper
margin of superior tarsal
plate
Nerve Supply: Striated muscle
oculomotor nerve,
 smooth muscle
sympathetic
Action: Raises upper lid

Orbicularis oculi Palpebral part

Origin: Medial palpebral ligament
Insertion: Lateral palpebral raphe
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Closes eyelids and dilates
lacrimal
Sac

Orbicularis oculi Orbital part

Origin: Medial palpebral ligament
and adjoining bone
Insertion: Loops return to origin
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Throws skin around orbit into
folds
to protect eyeball

Muscles of the Middle Ear

 Tensor tympani
Origin: Wall of auditory tube and
wall of its
own canal
Insertion: Handle of malleus
Nerve Supply: Mandibular division
of trigeminal nerve
Action: Dampens down vibrations of
tympanic membrane

Stapedius
Origin: Pyramid (bony projection on
posterior
wall of middle ear)
Insertion: Neck of stapes
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Dampens down vibrations of
Stapes
Muscles of the Head
 Muscle of Scalp

Occipitofrontalis
Occipital belly
Origin: Highest nuchal line of
occipital bone
Insertion: Epicranial aponeurosis
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Moves scalp on skull and
raises
Eyebrows

Occipitofrontalis Frontal belly

Origin: Skin and superficial fascia
of eyebrows
Insertion: Epicranial aponeurosis
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Moves scalp on skull and
raises
Eyebrows

Muscles of Facial Expression

Orbicularis oculi Palpebral part

Origin: Medial palpebral ligament
Insertion: Lateral palpebral raphe
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Closes eyelids and dilates
lacrimal
Sac

Orbicularis oculi Orbital part

Origin: Medial palpebral ligament
and adjoining bone
Insertion: Loops return to origin
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Throws skin around orbit into
folds
to protect eyeball

Corrugator supercilii
Origin: Superciliary arch
Insertion: Skin of eyebrow
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Vertical wrinkles of forehead,
as in
Frowning

Compressor nasi
Origin: Frontal process of maxilla
Insertion: Aponeurosis of bridge
of nose
Nerve Supply: Facial
nerve
Action: Compresses mobile nasal
cartilages
 Dilator naris
Origin: Maxilla
Insertion: Ala of nose
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Widens nasal aperture

Procerus
Origin: Nasal bone
Insertion: Skin between eyebrows
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Wrinkles skin of nose

Orbicularis oris
Origin: Maxilla, mandible, and skin
Insertion: Encircles oral orifice
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Compresses lips together
Dilator Muscles of Lips

Levator labii superioris

alaeque nasi
Levator labii superioris
Zygomaticus minor
Zygomaticus major
Levator anguli oris
Risorius
Depressor anguli oris
Depressor labii
Origin: Arise from bones and fascia
around oral aperture
and insert into substance
of lips
Insertion: -
Nerve Supply: Arise from bones and fascia
around oral aperture
and insert into substance
of lips
Action: Separate lips

Buccinator
 Origin: Outer surface of alveolar
margins of maxilla and
mandible and
pterygomandibular
ligament
Insertion: -
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Compresses cheeks and lips
against teeth

Muscles of Mastication

Masseter
Origin: Zygomatic arch
Insertion: Lateral surface
ramus of mandible
Nerve Supply: Mandibular
division of
trigeminal
nerve
Action: Elevates mandible to occlude
teeth

Temporalis
Origin: Floor of temporal fossa
Insertion: Coronoid process of
Mandible
Nerve Supply: Mandibular
division of
trigeminal
 nerve
Action: Anterior and superior fibers
elevate mandible; posterior
fibers retract mandible

Lateral pterygoid (two

heads)
Origin: Greater wing of sphenoid
and lateral pterygoid
plate
Insertion: Neck of mandible and
articular disc
Nerve Supply: Mandibular
division of
trigeminal
nerve
Action: Pulls neck of mandible
forward

Medial pterygoid (two

heads)
Origin: Tuberosity of maxilla and
lateral pterygoid plate
Insertion: Medial surface of angle
of mandible
Nerve Supply: Mandibular
division of
trigeminal
nerve
Action: Elevates mandible

Muscles of the Neck

 Platysma
Origin: Deep fascia over
pectoralis major and
deltoid
Insertion: Body of mandible and angle
of mouth
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve cervical
Branch
Action: Depresses mandible and
angle of mouth
 Sternocleidomastoid
Origin: Manubrium sterni and
medial third of clavicle
Insertion: Mastoid process of
temporal bone and
occipital bone
Nerve Supply: Spinal part of
accessory nerve
and C2 and 3
Action: Spinal part of
accessory nerve
and C2 and 3
 Digastric
Posterior belly
Origin: Mastoid process of
temporal bone
Insertion: Intermediate tendon is held
to hyoid by fascial sling
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Depresses mandible or
elevates hyoid bone

Digastric Anterior belly

Origin: Digastric
Insertion:
Nerve Supply: Nerve to mylohyoid
Action: Depresses mandible or
elevates hyoid bone
 Stylohyoid
Origin: Styloid process
Insertion: Body of hyoid bone
Nerve Supply: Facial nerve
Action: Elevates hyoid bone

Mylohyoid
Origin: Mylohyoid line of body of
mandible
Insertion: Body of hyoid bone and
fibrous raphe
Nerve Supply: Inferior alveolar
nerve
Action: Elevates floor of mouth
and hyoid bone or
depresses mandible

Geniohyoid
Origin: Inferior mental spine of
mandible
Insertion: Body of hyoid bone
Nerve Supply: 1st cervical nerve
 Action: Elevates hyoid bone or
depresses mandible

Sternohyoid
Origin: Manubrium sterni and
Clavicle
Insertion: Body of hyoid bone
Nerve Supply: Ansa cervicalis; C1,
2, and 3
Action: Depresses hyoid bone

Sternothyroid
Origin: Manubrium sterni
Insertion: Oblique line on lamina of
thyroid cartilage
Nerve Supply: Ansa cervicalis; C1,
2, and 3
Action: Depresses larynx

Thyrohyoid
Origin: Oblique line on lamina of
thyroid cartilage
Insertion: Lower border of body of
hyoid bone
Nerve Supply: 1st cervical nerve
Action: Depresses hyoid bone or
elevates larynx

Omohyoid
Inferior belly
Origin: Upper margin of scapula
and suprascapular
ligament
Insertion: Intermediate tendon is held
to clavicle and first rib by
fascial sling
Nerve Supply: Ansa cervicalis; C1,
2, and 3
Action: Depresses hyoid bone
 Superior belly
Origin: Lower border of body of
hyoid bone
Insertion: Intermediate tendon is held
to clavicle and first rib by
fascial sling
Nerve Supply: Ansa cervicalis; C1,
2, and 3
Action: Depresses hyoid bone

Scalenus anterior
Origin: Transverse processes of
3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th
cervical vertebrae
Insertion: 1st rib
Nerve Supply: C4, 5, and 6
Action: Elevates 1st rib; laterally
flexes and rotates
cervical part of
vertebral column

Scalenus medius
Origin: Transverse processes
of upper six cervical
vertebrae
Insertion: 1st rib
Nerve Supply: Anterior rami of
cervical nerves
Action: Elevates 1st rib; laterally
flexes and rotates
cervical part of
vertebral column

Scalenus posterior
Origin: Transverse processes
of lower cervical
vertebrae
Insertion: 2nd rib
Nerve Supply: Anterior rami of
cervical nerves
 Action: Elevates 2nd rib; laterally
flexes and rotates
cervical part of
vertebral column

Muscles of Tongue

Intrinsic Muscles

Longitudinal, Transverse and Vertical

Origin: Median septum and
submucosa
Insertion: Mucous membrane
Nerve Supply: Hypoglossal nerve
Action: Alters shape of tongue

Extrinsic Muscles
 Genioglossus
Origin: Superior genial spine of
Mandible
Insertion: Blends with other muscles
of tongue
Nerve Supply: Hypoglossal nerve
Action: Protrudes apex of tongue
through mouth

Hyoglossus
Origin: Body and greater cornu
of hyoid bone
Insertion: Blends with other muscles
of tongue
Nerve Supply: Hypoglossal nerve
Action: Depresses tongue

Styloglossus
Origin: Styloid process of temporal
 Bone
Insertion: Blends with other muscles
of tongue
Nerve Supply: Hypoglossal nerve
Action: Draws tongue upward and
Backward

Palatoglossus
Origin: Palatine aponeurosis
Insertion: Side of tongue
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal plexus
Action: Pulls roots of tongue upward
and backward, narrows
oropharyngeal isthmus

Muscles of the Soft Palate

 Tensor veli palatini
Origin: Spine of sphenoid,
auditory tube
Insertion: With muscle of other
side, forms palatine
aponeurosis
Nerve Supply: Nerve to medial pterygoid
from mandibular nerve
Action: Tenses soft palate

Levator veli palatini

Origin: Petrous part of temporal
bone, auditory tube
Insertion: Palatine aponeurosis
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal plexus
Action: Raises soft palate

Palatoglossus
Origin: Palatine aponeurosis
Insertion: Side of tongue
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal plexus
Action: Pulls root of tongue
upward and backward,
narrows oropharyngeal
isthmus

Palatopharyngeus
Origin: Palatine aponeurosis
Insertion: Posterior border of
thyroid cartilage
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal plexus
Action: Elevates wall of pharynx,
pulls palatopharyngeal
folds medially

Musculus uvulae
Origin: Posterior border of hard
Palate
Insertion: Mucous membrane of
 uvula
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal plexus
Action: Elevates uvula

Muscles of the Pharynx

Superior constrictor
Origin: Medial pterygoid plate,
pterygoid
hamulus, pterygomandibular
ligament, mylohyoid line of
mandible
Insertion: Pharyngeal tubercle of
occipital bone, raphe
in midline posteriorly
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal
plexus
Action: Aids soft palate in closing
off nasal pharynx,
propels bolus downward
 Middle constrictor
Origin: Lower part of stylohyoid
ligament,
lesser and greater cornu of
hyoid
bone
Insertion: Pharyngeal raphe
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal
plexus
Action: Propels bolus downward

Inferior constrictor
Origin: Lamina of thyroid cartilage,
cricoid
cartilage
Insertion: Pharyngeal raphe
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal
plexus
Action: Propels bolus downward

Cricopharyngeus
Origin: Lowest fibers of inferior
constrictor
muscle
Insertion:
Nerve Supply:
Action: Sphincter at lower end of
Pharynx

Stylopharyngeus
Origin: Styloid process of temporal
bone
Insertion: Posterior border of
thyroid cartilage
Nerve Supply: Glossopharyngeal
nerve
Action: Elevates larynx during
Swallowing

Salpingopharyngeus
 Origin: Auditory tube
Insertion: Blends with
palatopharyngeus
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal
plexus
Action: Elevates pharynx

Palatopharyngeus
Origin: Palatine aponeurosis
Insertion: Posterior border of
thyroid cartilage
Nerve Supply: Pharyngeal
plexus
Action: Elevates wall of pharynx,
pulls palatopharyngeal
arch medially

Muscles of the Thorax

 External intercostal
muscle (11) (fibers pass
downward and forward)
Origin: Inferior border of rib
Insertion: Superior border of
rib below
Nerve Supply: Intercostal nerves
Action: With 1st rib fixed, they raise
ribs
during inspiration and thus
increase anteroposterior and
transverse diameters of
thorax

Internal intercostal
muscle (11) (fibers
pass downward and
backward)
Origin: Inferior border of rib
Insertion: Superior border of
rib below
Nerve Supply: Intercostal nerves
Action: With last rib fixed by
abdominal
muscles, they lower ribs
during
expiration

Innermost intercostal
muscle (incomplete
layer)
Origin: Adjacent ribs
Insertion: Adjacent ribs
Nerve Supply: Intercostal nerves
Action: Assists external and internal
intercostal muscles
 Diaphragm (most important
muscle of respiration)
Origin: Xiphoid process;
lower six costal
cartilages, first
three lumbar
vertebrae
Insertion: Central tendon
Nerve Supply: Phrenic nerve
Action: Very important muscle of
inspiration; increases vertical
diameter of thorax by pulling
central tendon downward;
assists in raising lower ribs
Also used in abdominal
straining
and weight lifting
 Levatores costarum (12)
Origin: Tip of transverse
process of C7 and
T1–11 vertebrae
Insertion: Rib below
Nerve Supply: Posterior rami of
thoracic spinal
nerves
Action: Raises ribs and therefore
inspiratory muscles
 Serratus posterior superior
Origin: Lower cervical and
upper thoracic
spines
Insertion: Upper ribs
Nerve Supply: Intercostal nerves
Action: Raises ribs and therefore
inspiratory muscles

Serratus posterior inferior

Origin: Upper lumbar and
lower thoracic spines
Insertion: Lower ribs
Nerve Supply: Intercostal nerves
Action: Depresses ribs and therefore
expiratory muscles

Muscles of the Anterior Abdominal Wall

 External oblique
Origin: Lower eight ribs
Insertion: Xiphoid process, linea
alba, pubic crest,
pubic tubercle, iliac
crest
Nerve Supply: Lower six thoracic nerves
and iliohypogastric and
ilioinguinal nerves (L1)
Action: Supports abdominal
contents;
compresses abdominal
contents; assists in flexing
and rotation of trunk;
assists in forced expiration,
micturition, defecation,
parturition, and vomiting

Internal oblique
Origin: Lumbar fascia, iliac crest,
lateral two thirds of
inguinal ligament
Insertion: Lower three ribs and
costal cartilages,
xiphoid process,
linea alba,
 symphysis
pubis
Nerve Supply: Lower six thoracic nerves
and iliohypogastric and
ilioinguinal nerves (L1)
Action: Supports abdominal
contents;
compresses abdominal
contents; assists in flexing
and rotation of trunk;
assists in forced expiration,
micturition, defecation,
parturition, and vomiting

Transversus
Origin: Lower six costal cartilages,
lumbar fascia,
iliac crest, lateral third
of inguinal ligament
Insertion: Xiphoid process, linea
alba, symphysis
pubis
Nerve Supply: Lower six thoracic nerves
and iliohypogastric and
ilioinguinal nerves (L1)
Action: Compresses abdominal
Contents

Rectus
Abdominis
Origin: Symphysis pubis and
pubic crest
Insertion: 5th, 6th and 7th costal
cartilages and
xiphoid process
Nerve Supply: Lower six thoracic nerves
Action: Compresses abdominal
contents
and flexes vertebral
column; accessory muscle
of expiration
 Pyramidalis
(if present)
Origin: Anterior surface of pubis
Insertion: Linea alba
Nerve Supply: 12th thoracic nerve
Action: Tenses the linea alba

Muscles of the Posterior Abdominal Wall

Psoas
Origin: Transverse processes,
bodies, and intervertebral
discs of 12th
thoracic and five
lumbar vertebrae
 Insertion: With iliacus into lesser
trochanter of femur
Nerve Supply: Lumbar plexus
Action: Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh
is fixed, it flexes trunk on
thigh, as in sitting up from
lying position

Quadratus lumborum
Origin: Iliolumbar ligament,
iliac crest, tips of
transverse processes
of lower
lumbar vertebrae
Insertion: 12th rib
Nerve Supply: Lumbar plexus
Action: Fixes 12th rib during
inspiration;
depresses 12th rib
during forced expiration;
laterally flexes vertebral
column same side

Iliacus
Origin: Iliacus
Insertion: With psoas into lesser
trochanter of femur
Nerve Supply: Femoral nerve
Action: Flexes thigh on trunk; if thigh
is fixed, it flexes the trunk
on the thigh, as in sitting up
from lying position

Muscles of the Pelvic Walls and Floor

 Piriformis
Origin: Front of sacrum
Insertion: Greater trochanter of femur
Nerve Supply: Sacral plexus
Action: Lateral rotator of femur
at hip joint

Obturator internus
Origin: Obturator membrane and
adjoining part of hip bone
Insertion: Greater trochanter of femur
Nerve Supply: Nerve to obturator
internus from
sacral plexus
Action: Lateral rotator of femur
at hip joint
 Levator ani
Origin: Body of pubis, fascia of
obturator internus, spine
of ischium
Insertion: Perineal body;
anococcygeal body;
walls of prostate, vagina,
rectum, and anal canal
Nerve Supply: Fourth sacral nerve,
pudendal nerve
Action: Supports pelvic
viscera; sphincter to
anorectal junction
and vagina

Coccygeus
Origin: Spine of ischium
Insertion: Lower end of sacrum;
Coccyx
Nerve Supply: Fourth and fifth sacral
Nerve
Action: Assists levator ani
to support pelvic
viscera; flexes
coccyx

Muscles of Perineum

External Anal Sphincter Muscles

Subcutaneous part
Origin: Encircles anal canal, no
bony attachments
Insertion:
Nerve Supply: Inferior rectal nerve and
perineal branch of
fourth sacral nerve
Action: Together with puborectalis
muscle forms
 voluntary sphincter of
anal canal

Superficial part
Origin: Perineal body
Insertion: Coccyx
Nerve Supply:
Action:

Deep part
Origin: Encircles anal canal, no
bony attachments
Insertion:
Nerve Supply:
Action:

Puborectalis (part of
levator ani)
Origin: Pubic bones
Insertion: Sling around junction
of rectum and anal
canal
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
fourth sacral nerve
and from perineal
branch of pudendal
 nerve
Action: Together with external
anal sphincter forms
voluntary sphincter
for anal canal

Male Urogenital Muscles

Bulbospongiosus
Origin: Perineal body
Insertion: Fascia of bulb of penis
and corpus spongiosum
and cavernosum
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
 Action: Compresses urethra
and assists in erection
of penis

Ischiocavernosus
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Fascia covering corpus
cavernosum
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Assists in erection of
Penis

Sphincter urethrae
Origin: Pubic arch
Insertion: Surrounds urethra
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Voluntary sphincter of
Urethra

Superficial transverse
perineal muscle
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Perineal body
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Fixes perineal body

Deep transverse perineal

Muscle
Origin: Ischial ramus
Insertion: Perineal body
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Fixes perineal body

Female Urogenital Muscles

 Bulbospongiosus
Origin: Perineal body
Insertion: Fascia of corpus cavernosum
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Sphincter of vagina and
assists in erection of
clitoris

Ischiocavernosus
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Fascia covering corpus
Cavernosum
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve

Sphincter urethrae
Origin: Pubic arch
Insertion: Surrounds urethra
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Voluntary sphincter of
Urethra

Superficial transverse
perineal muscle
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Perineal body
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Fixes perineal body

Deep transverse perineal

Muscle
Origin: Ischial ramus
Insertion: Perineal body
Nerve Supply: Perineal branch of
pudendal nerve
Action: Fixes perineal body

Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Thoracic Wall

 Pectoralis major
Origin: Clavicle, sternum,
and upper six
costal cartilages
Insertion: Lateral lip of
bicipital groove
of humerus
Nerve Supply: Medial and lateral
pectoral nerves from
brachial plexus C5, 6, 7, 8; T1
Action: Adducts arm and rotates
it medially; clavicular
fibers also flex arm

Pectoralis minor
Origin: 3rd, 4th, and
5th ribs
Insertion: Coracoid process
of scapula
Nerve Supply: Medial pectoral nerve
from brachial plexus
C6, 7, 8
 Action: Depresses point of
shoulder; if the scapula
is fixed, it elevates the
ribs of origin

Subclavius
Origin: 1st costal cartilage
Insertion: Clavicle
Nerve Supply: Nerve to subclavius
from upper trunk of
brachial plexus C5, 6
Action: Depresses the clavicle
and steadies this bone
during movements of
the shoulder girdle
 Serratus anterior
Origin: Upper eight ribs
Insertion: Medial border
and inferior
angle of
scapula
Nerve Supply: Long thoracic nerve C5, 6, 7
Action: Draws the forward
anterior around the
thoracic wall; rotates
scapula

Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Vertebral Column

 Trapezius
Origin: Occipital bone,
ligamentum nuchae,
spine of 7th cervical
vertebra, spines of all
thoracic vertebrae
Insertion: Upper fibers into
lateral third of
clavicle; middle and
lower fibers into
acromion and spine
of scapula
Nerve Supply: Spinal part of
accessory
nerve (motor)
and C3 and 4
(sensory)
XI cranial
nerve (spinal
part)
Action: Upper fibers elevate
the scapula; middle
fibers pull scapula
 medially; lower fibers
pull medial border of
scapula downward

Latissimus
Dorsi
Origin: Iliac crest, lumbar fascia,
spines of lower six
thoracic vertebrae,
lower three or four
ribs, and inferior angle
of scapula
Insertion: Floor of bicipital
groove of humerus
Nerve Supply: Thoracodorsal
nerve
C6, 7, 8,
Action: Extends, adducts, and
medially rotates the
arm
 Levator
Scapulae
Origin: Transverse processes
of 1st four cervical
vertebrae
Insertion: Medial border of
Scapula
Nerve Supply: C3 and 4 and
dorsal
scapular
nerve C3, 4, 5
Action: Raises medial border of
Scapula
 Rhomboid
Minor
Origin: Ligamentum nuchae and
spines of 7th cervical
and 1st thoracic
vertebrae
Insertion: Medial border of
Scapula
Nerve Supply: Dorsal scapular
Nerve C4, 5
Action: Raises medial border of
scapula upward and
medially

Rhomboid
Major
Origin: Second to 5th thoracic
Spines
Insertion: Medial border of
Scapula
Nerve Supply: Dorsal scapular
nerve C4, 5
Action: Raises medial border of
scapula upward and
medially

Muscles Connecting the Scapula to the Humerus

 Deltoid
Origin: Lateral third
of clavicle,
acromion, spine
of scapula
Insertion: Middle of lateral
surface of shaft
of humerus
Nerve Supply: Axillary nerve C5, 6
Action: Abducts arm; anterior fibers
flex and medially rotate
arm; posterior fibers extend
and laterally rotate arm

Supraspinatus
Origin: Supraspinous fossa
of scapula
Insertion: Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint
Nerve Supply: Suprascapular
Nerve C4, 5, 6
 Action: Abducts arm and stabilizes
shoulder joint

Infraspinatus
Origin: Infraspinous fossa
of scapula
Insertion: Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint
Nerve Supply: Suprascapular
Nerve (C4), 5, 6
Action: Laterally rotates arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint

Teres major
Origin: Lower third of
lateral border of
scapula
Insertion: Medial lip of
bicipital groove
of humerus
Nerve Supply: Lower subscapular
nerve
C6, 7
Action: Medially rotates and adducts
arm and stabilizes shoulder
joint

Teres minor
Origin: Upper two thirds of
lateral border of
scapula
Insertion: Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint
Nerve Supply: Axillary nerve (C4), C5, 6
Action: Laterally rotates arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint
 Subscapularis
Origin: Subscapular fossa
Insertion: Lesser tuberosity of
Humerus
Nerve Supply: Upper and lower
subscapular
nerves C5, 6, 7
Action: Medially rotates arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint

Muscles of the Arm

Anterior Compartment

Biceps brachii

Long head
Origin: Supraglenoid
tubercle of scapula
Insertion: Tuberosity of radius
and bicipital
aponeurosis into
deep fascia of
forearm
Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous
 nerve C5, 6
Action: Supinator of forearm
and flexor of elbow
joint; weak flexor
of shoulder joint

Short head
Origin: Coracoid process of
scapula
Insertion: Tuberosity of radius
and bicipital
aponeurosis into
deep fascia of
forearm
Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous
nerve C5, 6
Action: Supinator of forearm
and flexor of elbow
joint; weak flexor
of shoulder joint

Coracobrachialis
Origin: Coracoid process of
Scapula
Insertion: Medial aspect of shaft
of humerus
Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous
Nerve C5, 6, 7
Action: Flexes arm and also
weak adductor

Brachialis
Origin: Front of lower half of
Humerus
Insertion: Coronoid process of
Ulna
Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous
Nerve C5, 6
Action: Flexor of elbow joint
 Posterior Compartment

Triceps Long head

Origin: Infraglenoid tubercle
of scapula
Insertion: Olecranon process of
Ulna
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C6, 7, 8
Action: Extensor of elbow
Joint

Lateral head
Origin: Upper half of
posterior surface
of shaft of humerus
Insertion: Olecranon process of
Ulna
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C6, 7, 8
Action: Extensor of elbow
Joint
 Medial head
Origin: Lower half of
posterior surface
of shaft of humerus
Insertion: Olecranon process of
Ulna
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C6, 7, 8
Action: Extensor of elbow
Joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

 Pronator Teres Humeral head
Origin: Medial epicondyle of
Humerus
 Insertion: Lateral aspect of shaft
of radius
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C6, 7
Action: Pronation and flexion of
Forearm

Ulnar head
Origin: Medial border of
coronoid process of
ulna
Insertion: Lateral aspect of shaft
of radius
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C6, 7
Action: Pronation and flexion of
Forearm

Flexor carpi
Radialis
Origin: Medial epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Bases of second and
third metacarpal
bones
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C6, 7
Action: Flexes and abducts
hand at wrist joint

Palmaris
Longus
Origin: Medial epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Flexor retinaculum and
palmar aponeurosis
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C7, 8
Action: Flexes hand

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Humeral head

Origin: Medial epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Pisiform bone, hook of
 the hamate, base at
fifth metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Ulnar nerve C8; T1
Action: Flexes and adducts
hand at wrist joint

Ulnar head
Origin: Medial aspect of
olecranon process
and posterior border
of ulna
Insertion: Pisiform bone, hook of
the hamate, base at
fifth metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Ulnar nerve C8; T1
Action: Flexes and adducts
hand at wrist joint

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Humeroulnar

Head
Origin: Medial epicondyle of
humerus; medial
border of coronoid
process of ulna
Insertion: Middle phalanx of
medial four fingers
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C7, 8; T1
Action: Flexes middle phalanx
of fingers and assists
in flexing proximal
phalanx and hand

Radial head
Origin: Oblique line on anterior
surface of shaft of
radius
Insertion: Middle phalanx of
medial four fingers
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C7, 8; T1
Action: Flexes middle phalanx
 of fingers and assists
in flexing proximal
phalanx and hand

Flexor pollicis
Longus
Origin: Anterior surface of shaft
of radius
Insertion: Distal phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Anterior interosseous
branch of median
nerve
C8; T1
Action: Flexes distal phalanx of
Thumb

Flexor
digitorum
profundus
Origin: Anteromedial surface of
shaft of ulna
Insertion: Distal phalanges of
medial four fingers
Nerve Supply: Ulnar (medial half)
and median (lateral
half) nerves C8; T1
Action: Flexes distal phalanx
of fingers; then
assists in flexion of
middle and proximal
phalanges and wrist

Pronator
Quadratus
Origin: Anterior surface of shaft
of ulna
Insertion: Anterior surface of shaft
of radius
Nerve Supply: Anterior interosseous
branch of median
nerve C8; T1
 Action: Pronates forearm

Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

Brachioradialis
Origin: Lateral supracondylar
ridge of
humerus
Insertion: Base of styloid process
of radius
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C5, 6, 7
Action: Flexes forearm
at elbow joint;
rotates forearm
to the midprone
position
 Extensor carpi
radialis longus
Origin: Lateral supracondylar
ridge of
humerus
Insertion: Posterior surface
of base of second
metacarpal
bone
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C6, 7
Action: Extends and
 abducts hand at
wrist joint

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

Extensor carpi
radialis brevis
Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Posterior surface
 of base of third
metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C7, 8
Action: Extends and abducts
hand at wrist joint

Extensor
Digitorum
 Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Middle and distal
phalanges of
medial four
fingers
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C7, 8
Action: Extends fingers and hand

Extensor digiti
minimi
Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Extensor expansion
of little finger
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C7, 8
Action: Extends metacarpal
 phalangeal joint of little
finger

Extensor carpi
Ulnaris
 Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Base of 5th
metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve C7, 8
Action: Extends and adducts
hand at wrist joint

Anconeus
Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
Humerus
Insertion: Lateral surface
of olecranon
process of ulna
Nerve Supply: Radial nerve C7, 8; T1
Action: Extends elbow joint
 Supinator
Origin: Lateral epicondyle of
humerus, anular
ligament of proximal
radioulnar joint, and
 ulna
Insertion: Neck and shaft of
Radius
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C5, 6
Action: Supination of forearm

Abductor pollicis
Longus
 Origin: Posterior surface of
shafts of radius and
ulna
Insertion: Base of first
metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve C7, 8
Action: Abducts and extends
thumb
Extensor pollicis
Brevis
 Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of radius
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve C7, 8
Action: Extends
metacarpophalangeal
joints of thumb
Extensor pollicis
Longus
 Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of ulna
Insertion: Base of distal
phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C7, 8
Action: Extends distal phalanx of
Thumb
 Extensor indicis
Origin: Posterior surface of
 shaft of ulna
Insertion: Extensor expansion
of index finger
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
radial nerve
C7, 8
Action: Extends
metacarpophalangeal
joint of index finger

Small Muscles of the Hand

Palmaris brevis
Origin: Flexor retinaculum,
palmar
aponeurosis
 Insertion: Skin of palm
Nerve Supply: Superficial branch
of ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Corrugates skin to
improve grip of palm

Lumbricals (4)
Origin: Tendons of flexor
digitorum
profundus
Insertion: Extensor expansion
of medial four
fingers
Nerve Supply: 1st and 2nd,
(i.e., lateral two)
median nerve;
 3rd and 4th
deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Flex
metacarpophalangeal
joints and extend
interphalangeal joints
of fingers except
thumb

Interossei (8)
Palmar (4)
Origin: First arises from base
of 1st metacarpal;
remaining three
from anterior
surface of shafts
of 2nd, 4th, and 5th
metacarpals
Insertion: Proximal phalanges
of thumb and
index, ring, and
little fingers and
dorsal extensor
expansion of each
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
 Action: Palmar interossei adduct
fingers toward center
of third finger

Dorsal (4)
Origin: Contiguous sides
of shafts of
metacarpal bones
Insertion: Proximal phalanges
of index,
middle, and
ring fingers and
dorsal extensor
expansion
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Dorsal interossei abduct
fingers from center
of third finger; both
palmar and dorsal flex
metacarpophalangeal
joints and extend
interphalangeal joints

Short Muscles of Thumb

 Abductor pollicis
brevis
Origin: Scaphoid, trapezium,
flexor retinaculum
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C8; T1
Action: Abduction of thumb

Flexor pollicis
Brevis
Origin: Flexor retinaculum
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C8; T1
Action: Flexes
metacarpophalangeal
joint of thumb

Opponens
pollicis
Origin: Flexor retinaculum
Insertion: Shaft of metacarpal
bone of thumb
Nerve Supply: Median nerve C8; T1
Action: Pulls thumb medially and
forward across palm

Adductor pollicis
Origin: Oblique head; 2nd
and 3rd metacarpal
bones; transverse
head; 3rd
metacarpal bone
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve C8; T1
Action: Adduction of thumb

Short Muscles of Little Finger

Abductor digiti
minimi
Origin: Pisiform bone
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of little
finger
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Abducts little finger

Flexor digiti
Minimi
Origin: Flexor retinaculum
Insertion: Base of proximal
phalanx of little
finger
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Flexes little finger
 Opponens digiti
Minimi
Origin: Flexor retinaculum
Insertion: Medial border fifth
metacarpal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep branch of
ulnar nerve
C8; T1
Action: Pulls 5th metacarpal
forward as in cupping
the palm

Muscles of the Gluteal Region

 Gluteus
maximus
Origin: Outer surface of
ilium, sacrum,
coccyx,
sacrotuberous
ligament
Insertion: Iliotibial tract and
gluteal tuberosity
of femur
Nerve Supply: Inferior gluteal
nerve
L5; S1, 2
Action: Extends and
laterally rotates
hip joint; through
iliotibial tract,
it extends knee
joint
 Gluteus medius
Origin: Outer surface of
Ilium
Insertion: Lateral surface of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Superior
gluteal nerve
L5; S1
Action: Abducts thigh at hip
joint; tilts pelvis
when walking to
permit opposite
leg to clear
ground

Gluteus minimus
Origin: Outer surface of
Ilium
Insertion: Anterior surface of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Superior gluteal
nerve
L5; S1
Action: Abducts thigh at hip
joint; tilts pelvis
when walking to
permit opposite
leg to clear
ground

Tensor fasciae
Latae
Origin: Iliac crest
Insertion: Iliotibial tract
Nerve Supply: Superior gluteal
nerve
L4; 5
Action: Assists gluteus
maximus in
 extending the
knee joint

Piriformis
Origin: Anterior surface
of sacrum
Insertion: Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: 1st and 2nd
sacral nerves
L5; S1, 2
Action: Lateral rotator of
thigh at hip joint

Obturator
internus
Origin: Inner surface
of obturator
membrane
Insertion: Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Sacral plexus L5; S1
Action: Lateral rotator of
thigh at hip joint
 Gemellus
Superior
Origin: Spine of ischium
Insertion: Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Sacral plexus L5; S1
Action: Lateral rotator of
thigh at hip joint

Gemellus
Inferior
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Sacral plexus L5; S1
Action: Lateral rotator of
thigh at hip joint

Quadratus
Femoris
Origin: Lateral border
 of ischial
tuberosity
Insertion: Quadrate tubercle of
Femur
Nerve Supply: Sacral plexus L5; S1
Action: Lateral rotator of
thigh at hip joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

Sartorius
Origin: Anterior superior iliac
Spine
Insertion: Upper medial
surface of
shaft of tibia
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3
Action: Flexes, abducts,
laterally rotates
thigh at hip
joint; flexes and
 medially rotates
leg at knee joint

Iliacus
Origin: Iliac fossa of hip bone
Insertion: With psoas into
lesser trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3
Action: Flexes thigh on
trunk; if thigh is
fixed, it flexes the
trunk on the thigh
as in sitting up
from lying down

Psoas
Origin: Transverse processes,
bodies, and intervertebral
discs of the 12th
thoracic and five lumbar
vertebrae
Insertion: With iliacus into
lesser trochanter
of femur
Nerve Supply: With iliacus into
lesser trochanter
of femur
Action: Flexes thigh on
trunk; if thigh is
fixed, it flexes the
trunk on thigh as
in sitting up from
lying down

Pectineus
Origin: Superior ramus of pubis
Insertion: Upper end of linea
aspera of shaft of
 femur
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3
Action: Flexes and adducts
thigh at hip joint

Quadriceps
Femoris`
Rectus femoris
Origin: Straight head: anterior
inferior iliac spine
Reflected head: ilium
above acetabulum
Insertion: Quadriceps tendon
into patella, then
via ligamentum
patellae into
tubercle of tibia
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Extension of leg at
knee joint; flexes
thigh at hip joint

Vastus lateralis
Origin: Upper end and shaft of
Femur
Insertion: Quadriceps tendon
into patella, then
via ligamentum
patellae into
tubercle of tibia
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Extension of leg at
knee joint

Vastus medialis
 Origin: Upper end and shaft of
Femur
Insertion: Quadriceps tendon
into patella, then
via ligamentum
patellae into
tubercle of tibia
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Extension of leg
at knee joint;
stabilizes patella

Vastus
Intermedius
Origin: Anterior and lateral
surfaces of shaft of
femur
Insertion: Anterior and lateral
surfaces of shaft of
femur
Nerve Supply: Femoral
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Extension of leg
at knee joint;
articularis genus
retracts synovial
membrane

Muscles of the Medial Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

 Gracilis
Origin: Inferior ramus of pubis,
ramus of ischium
Insertion: Upper part of shaft
of tibia on medial
surface
Nerve Supply: Obturator
nerve
L2, 3
Action: Adducts thigh at hip
 joint; flexes leg at
knee joint

Adductor longus
Origin: Adductor longus
Insertion: Posterior surface
of shaft of femur
(linea aspera)
Nerve Supply: Obturator
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Obturator
nerve
L2, 3, 4

Adductor brevis
Origin: Inferior ramus of pubis
Insertion: Posterior surface
of shaft of femur
(linea aspera)
Nerve Supply: Obturator
nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Adducts thigh at hip
joint and assists in
lateral rotation

Adductor magnus
Origin: Inferior ramus of pubis,
ramus of ischium,
ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Inferior ramus of pubis,
ramus of ischium,
ischial tuberosity
Nerve Supply: Adductor portion:
obturator nerve
Hamstring portion:
sciatic nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Adducts thigh at hip
 joint and assists
in lateral rotation;
hamstring portion
extends thigh at hip
joint

Obturator externus
Origin: Outer surface of obturator
membrane and pubic
and ischial rami
Insertion: Medial surface of
greater trochanter
Nerve Supply: Obturator nerve L3, 4
Action: Laterally rotates thigh
at hip joint

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

 Biceps femoris
Origin: Long head: ischial
Tuberosity
Short head: linea
aspera, lateral
supracondylar
ridge of
Insertion: Head of fibula
Nerve Supply: Long head: tibial
 portion of
sciatic nerve
Short head:
common
peroneal portion
of sciatic nerve L5; S1, 2
Action: Flexes and laterally rotates
leg
at knee joint; long head also
extends thigh at hip joint

Semitendinosus
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Upper part
of medial
surface of
shaft of tibia
Nerve Supply: Tibial portion of
sciatic nerve
L5; S1, 2
Action: Flexes and medially rotates
leg
at knee joint; extends thigh at
hip joint

Semimembranosus
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
Insertion: Medial condyle
of tibia
Nerve Supply: Tibial portion of
sciatic nerve
L5; S1, 2
Action: Flexes and medially rotates
leg
at knee joint; extends thigh at
hip joint

Adductor magnus
(hamstring
portion)
Origin: Ischial tuberosity
 Insertion: Adductor
tubercle of
femur
Nerve Supply: Tibial portion of
sciatic nerve
L2, 3, 4
Action: Extends thigh at hip joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg

 Tibialis
Anterior
Origin: Lateral surface of
shaft of tibia and
interosseous
membrane
Insertion: Medial cuneiform and base of
 1st metatarsal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
L4, 5
Action: Extendsb foot at ankle joint;
inverts foot at subtalar
and transverse tarsal
joints; holds up medial
longitudinal arch of foot

Extensor
digitorum
longus
Origin: Anterior surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Extensor expansion of lateral
four toes
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
L5; S1
Action: Extends toes; extends foot
at ankle joint
 Peroneus
Tertius
Origin: Anterior surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of 5th metatarsal bone
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
L5; S1
Action: Extends foot at ankle joint;
everts foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joints

Extensor
hallucis
longus
Origin: Extensor
hallucis
longus
Insertion: Extensor
hallucis
longus
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
L5; S1
Action: Extends big toe; extends
foot at ankle joint; inverts
foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joints

Extensor
digitorum
brevis
Origin: Calcaneum
Insertion: By four tendons into the
proximal phalanx of big toe
and long extensor tendons to
second, third, and fourth toes
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
S1, 2
Action: Extends toes

Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Leg

Peroneus
Longus
 Origin: Lateral surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of 1st
metatarsal
and the medial
cuneiform
Nerve Supply: Superficial
peroneal nerve L5; S1, 2
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
everts foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joints;
supports
lateral longitudinal and
transverse
arches of foot

Peroneus
Brevis
Origin: Lateral surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of 5th
metatarsal bone
Nerve Supply: Superficial
peroneal nerve
L5; S1, 2
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
everts foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joint;
supports
lateral longitudinal arch of
foot

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg

Superficial Group
 Gastrocnemius
Origin: Lateral head from
lateral condyle of
femur and medial
head from above
medial condyle
Insertion: Via tendo
calcaneus into
posterior surface
of calcaneum
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S1, 2
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
flexes knee joint

Plantaris
Origin: Lateral
supracondylar
ridge of femur
Insertion: Posterior surface of
Calcaneum
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S1, 2
 Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
flexes knee joint

Soleus
Origin: Shafts of tibia and
Fibula
Insertion: Via tendo calcaneus
into posterior
surface of
calcaneum
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S1, 2
Action: Together with gastrocnemius
and
plantaris is powerful plantar
flexor of ankle joint; provides
main propulsive force in
walking and running

Deep Group

Popliteus
Origin: Lateral surface of
lateral condyle of
femur
Insertion: Posterior surface
of shaft of tibia
above soleal line
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve L4, 5; S1
Action: Flexes leg at knee joint;
unlocks
knee joint by lateral rotation
of femur on tibia and slackens
ligaments of joint

Flexor digitorum
Longus
Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of tibia
Insertion: Bases of distal
phalanges of
 lateral four toes
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes distal phalanges of
lateral
four toes; plantar flexes foot
at ankle joint; supports
medial
and lateral longitudinal
arches
of foot

Flexor hallucis
Longus
Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of distal
phalanx of big toe
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes distal phalanx of big
toe;
plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
supports medial longitudinal
arch of foot

Tibialis posterior
Origin: Posterior surface
of shafts of tibia
and fibula and
interosseous
membrane
Insertion: Tuberosity of
navicular bone
and other
neighboring
bones
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve L4, 5
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint; inverts foot at subtalar
and transverse tarsal joints;
supports medial longitudinal
arch of foot
 Muscles of the Sole of the Foot

First Layer

Abductor hallucis
Origin: Medial tuberosity of
calcaneum and flexor
retinaculum
Insertion: Base of proximal phalanx of
big toe
Nerve Supply: Medial plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes and abducts big
toe; braces medial
 longitudinal arch

Flexor digitorum
Brevis
Origin: Medial tubercle of
Calcaneum
Insertion: Medial tubercle of
Calcaneum
Nerve Supply: Medial plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes lateral four toes;
braces medial and
lateral longitudinal
arches

Abductor digiti
Minimi
Origin: Medial and lateral tubercles
of calcaneum
Insertion: Base of proximal phalanx of
fifth toe
Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes and abducts fifth
toe; braces lateral
longitudinal arch

Second Layer
 Quadratus plantae
Origin: Medial and lateral sides
of calcaneum
Insertion: Tendon of flexor digitorum
Longus
Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Assists flexor digitorum
longus in flexing
lateral four toes

Lumbricals (4)
Origin: Tendons of flexor digitorum
Longus
Insertion: Dorsal extensor expansion;
bases of proximal phalanges
of lateral four toes
Nerve Supply: First lumbrical: medial
plantar nerve;
 remainder: lateral
plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Extends toes at
interphalangeal
joints

Flexor digitorum
Longus
Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of tibia
Insertion: Bases of distal
phalanges of
lateral four toes
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes distal phalanges of
lateral
four toes; plantar flexes foot
at ankle joint; supports
medial
and lateral longitudinal
arches
of foot

Flexor hallucis
Longus
Origin: Posterior surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of distal
phalanx of big toe
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes distal phalanx of big
toe;
plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
supports medial longitudinal
arch of foot

Third Layer
 Flexor hallucis
Brevis
Origin: Cuboid, lateral cuneiform,
tibialis posterior
insertion
Insertion: Medial tendon into medial
side
of base of proximal phalanx
of big toe; lateral tendon
into lateral side of base of
proximal phalanx of big toe
Nerve Supply: Medial plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint
of big toe; supports
 medial longitudinal
arch

Adductor hallucis
Origin: Oblique head bases of
2nd, 3rd, and 4th
metatarsal bones;
transverse head from
plantar ligaments
Insertion: Lateral side of base of
proximal
phalanx of big toe
Nerve Supply: Deep branch lateral
plantar nerve
S2, 3
Action: Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint
of big toe; holds
together metatarsal
bones

Flexor digiti minimi

Brevis
Origin: Base of 5th metatarsal
Bone
Insertion: Base of 5th metatarsal
bone
Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint of
little toe

Fourth Layer
 Dorsal (4) Interossei
Origin: Adjacent sides of metatarsal
Bones
Insertion: Bases of proximal phalanges
—
first: medial side of
second toe; remainder:
lateral sides of second,
third, and fourth toes—also
dorsal extensor expansion
Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Abduction of toes;
flexes metatarsophalangeal
joints
and extends interphalangeal
 joints

Plantar (3) Interossei

Origin: Inferior surfaces of
3rd, 4th, and 5th
metatarsal bones
Insertion: Medial side of bases of
proximal
phalanges of lateral
three toes
Nerve Supply: Lateral plantar nerve S2, 3
Action: Adduction of toes; flexes
metatarsophalangeal
joints and extends
interphalangeal joints

Tibialis posterior
Origin: Posterior surface
of shafts of tibia
and fibula and
interosseous
membrane
Insertion: Tuberosity of
navicular bone
and other
neighboring
bones
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve L4, 5
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint; inverts foot at subtalar
and transverse tarsal joints;
supports medial longitudinal
arch of foot
Peroneus
Longus
Origin: Lateral surface of
shaft of fibula
Insertion: Base of 1st
metatarsal
and the medial
cuneiform
Nerve Supply: Superficial
peroneal nerve L5; S1, 2
Action: Plantar flexes foot at ankle
joint;
everts foot at subtalar and
transverse tarsal joints;
supports
lateral longitudinal and
transverse
arches of foot

Muscle of the Dorsum of the Foot

Extensor digitorum
Brevis
Origin: Anterior part of
upper surface of
the calcaneum
and from the
inferior extensor
 retinaculum
Insertion: By four tendons
into the proximal
phalanx of big
toe and long
extensor tendons
to second,
third, and fourth
toes
Nerve Supply: Deep peroneal
nerve
S1, S2
Action: Extends toes