Comprehensive Muscular Anatomy: Head to Lower Limb

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the location, main actions, origins, and insertions of major muscles of the human body, including the head, neck, back, thorax, abdomen, and limbs.

Frontalis

Forehead muscle originating from the epicranial aponeurosis and inserting into the skin of the eyebrows and root of nose; raises eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead (as in surprise).

Occipitalis

Muscle located at the back of the scalp originating from the occipital and temporal bones and inserting into the epicranial aponeurosis; pulls the scalp backward.

Corrugator supercilii

Muscle deep to the eyebrow originating from the arch of the frontal bone and inserting into the skin of the eyebrow; draws eyebrows inward and downward (frowning).

Orbicularis oculi

Sphincter muscle around the eye originating from frontal and maxillary bones and inserting into the eyelids; closes eyelids and blinks.

Orbicularis oris

Muscle surrounding the mouth originating from the maxilla, mandible, and surrounding facial muscles, inserting into muscle and skin at angles of mouth; closes and puckers lips.

Zygomaticus major

Muscle running diagonally from cheekbone to corner of mouth, originating from the zygomatic bone and inserting at the corner of mouth; raises corner of mouth (smiling).

Zygomaticus minor

Muscle situated above zygomaticus major, originating from the zygomatic bone and inserting into the upper lip; raises upper lip.

Nasalis

Muscle positioned over the nose originating from the maxilla and inserting into nasal cartilage and skin; compresses or flares nostrils.

Risorius

Muscle located on the side of the cheek originating from the fascia of masseter and inserting at the corner of mouth; pulls corner of lip sideways (laterally).

Levator labii superioris

Muscle located beside the nose originating from the maxilla and inserting into the upper lip; raises upper lip.

Depressor labii inferioris

Muscle of the lower lip originating from the mandible and inserting into the lower lip; pulls lower lip down.

Depressor anguli oris

Muscle of the lower cheek originating from the mandible and inserting at the corner of mouth; pulls corner of mouth down.

Mentalis

Muscle of the chin originating from the mandible and inserting into the skin of chin; wrinkles chin.

Buccinator

Deep cheek muscle originating from the maxilla and mandible and inserting into orbicularis oris; compresses cheek and keeps food between teeth.

Platysma

Thin superficial muscle over front of neck and lower face, originating from fascia over upper chest and shoulder and inserting into the mandible and skin at corner of mouth; tenses skin of neck.

Masseter

Primary chewing muscle on the outer surface of jaw, originating from the zygomatic arch and bone, inserting into the ramus and angle of mandible; closes jaw and elevates mandible.

Temporalis

Fan-shaped muscle at temple originating from the temporal fossa and inserting into the coronoid process of mandible; elevates and retracts mandible, closing the jaw.

Medial pterygoid

Deep muscle on the inner side of the jaw originating from the medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate and nearby bones, inserting into the inner surface of mandibular angle; elevates jaw and assists side-to-side grinding movement.

Lateral pterygoid

Deep muscle near jaw joint originating from the sphenoid region and lateral pterygoid plate, inserting into the neck of mandible and TMJ disc/capsule; protracts mandible, helps open mouth, and moves jaw side to side.

Genioglossus

Tongue muscle originating from the superior mental spine of mandible and inserting into tongue and hyoid bone; sticks out the tongue.

Hyoglossus

Tongue muscle originating from the hyoid bone and inserting into the side of tongue; pulls the tongue.

Styloglossus

Tongue muscle originating from the styloid process of temporal bone and inserting into the side of tongue; pulls the tongue back and up.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Neck muscle originating from manubrium of sternum and medial clavicle, inserting into mastoid process of temporal bone; flexes and laterally rotates head, flexes neck.

Scalenes (anterior, middle, posterior)

Neck muscles originating from cervical vertebrae and inserting into the first two ribs; flex/tilt neck and elevate ribs 1 & 2.

Splenius capitis & cervicis

Muscles originating from spinous processes of vertebrae C7–T6, inserting into mastoid process of temporal bone, occipital bone, and C2–C4; extend head, turn, and tilt head to same side.

Levator scapulae

Muscle originating from transverse processes of C1–C4 and inserting into superior medial border of scapula; elevates and adducts scapula.

Digastric

Two-bellied suprahyoid muscle originating from mandible (anterior belly) and mastoid region (posterior belly), inserting into an intermediate tendon attached to hyoid; elevates hyoid and helps open mouth.

Omohyoid

Infrahyoid muscle originating from superior border of scapula and inserting into hyoid bone; depresses and stabilizes hyoid.

Erector spinae group

Deep back muscle group consisting of iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis running along the spine; extends and laterally flexes vertebral column, extends spine, and rotates toward same side.

Quadratus lumborum

Deep back muscle originating from the iliac crest and inserting into the 12th rib; side-bends lumbar spine and fixes 12th rib.

Multifidus

Deep back muscle originating from sacrum and vertebral processes, inserting into spinous processes several levels above; stabilizes spine and assists extension and opposite-side rotation.

Trapezius

Large superficial back/neck muscle originating from occipital bone and C7–T12 spinous processes, inserting into clavicle and acromion/spine of scapula; fixes, elevates, retracts, and rotates scapula.

Latissimus dorsi

Broad lower back muscle originating from vertebrae, ribs, iliac crest, and inferior angle of scapula, inserting into humerus; extends, adducts, and medially rotates arm.

Rhomboid (minor, major)

Back muscles originating from C7–T1 and T2–T5 spinous processes, inserting into medial border of scapula; fix, retract, and downwardly rotate scapula.

Pectoralis major

Chest muscle originating from clavicle, sternum, and costal cartilages, inserting into greater tubercle of humerus; flexes, adducts, and medially rotates arm.

Pectoralis minor

Anterior chest muscle originating from ribs 3–5 and inserting into coracoid process of scapula; pulls scapula forward and down and fixes ribs.

Serratus anterior

Lateral chest wall muscle originating from ribs 1–8 or 1–9 and inserting into vertebral border of scapula; rotates scapula and pushes shoulder blades forward.

External intercostals

Intercostal muscles originating from inferior border of rib above and inserting into superior border of rib below; elevate ribs during inhalation.

Internal intercostals

Intercostal muscles originating from inferior border of rib above and inserting into superior border of rib below; compresses and depresses ribcage.

Diaphragm

Primary breathing muscle originating from xiphoid region, lower ribs, and lumbar vertebrae, inserting into central tendon; contracts, moves downward, and flattens on inhalation, increasing chest volume.

Rectus abdominis

Vertical 'six-pack' muscle originating from pubic crest and pubic symphysis, inserting into xiphoid process and costal cartilages of ribs 5–7; flexes trunk and compresses abdominal contents.

External oblique

Superficial lateral abdominal muscle originating from external surfaces of ribs 5–12 and inserting into linea alba, pubis, and iliac crest; compresses abdomen, trunk rotation, and lateral flexion.

Internal oblique

Intermediate abdominal muscle originating from lumbar fascia, iliac crest, and inguinal ligament, inserting into lower ribs, linea alba, and pubis; compresses abdomen, trunk rotation, and lateral flexion.

Transversus abdominis

Deepest abdominal muscle originating from cartilages of last six ribs, lumbar fascia, iliac crest, and inguinal ligament, inserting into linea alba and pubis; compresses abdominal contents and stabilizes trunk.

Deltoid

Rounded cap muscle of the shoulder originating from lateral clavicle, acromion, and spine of scapula, inserting into deltoid tuberosity of humerus; abducts arm.

Supraspinatus

Rotator cuff muscle located above scapular spine originating from supraspinous fossa of scapula and inserting into greater tubercle of humerus; initiates arm abduction and stabilizes shoulder.

Infraspinatus

Rotator cuff muscle located below scapular spine originating from infraspinous fossa of scapula and inserting into greater tubercle of humerus; laterally rotates arm and stabilizes shoulder.

Teres minor

Small rotator cuff muscle along lateral scapula originating from lateral border of scapula and inserting into greater tubercle of humerus; laterally rotates arm and stabilizes shoulder.

Subscapularis

Rotator cuff muscle situated on anterior surface of scapula originating from subscapular fossa and inserting into lesser tubercle of humerus; medially rotates arm.

Teres major

Muscle situated inferior to teres minor originating from inferior angle/posterior scapula and inserting into lesser tubercle; extends, adducts, and medially rotates arm (not part of rotator cuff).

SITS

Memory aid for the four rotator cuff muscles whose tendons stabilize the head of the humerus in the shoulder socket: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis.

Biceps brachii

Anterior arm muscle originating from glenoid cavity and coracoid process, inserting into radial tuberosity; flexes elbow and supinates forearm.

Brachialis

Primary elbow flexor lying beneath biceps brachii, originating from the humerus and inserting into the coronoid process.

Coracobrachialis

Upper arm muscle originating from coracoid process and inserting into humerus; flexes and adducts arm.

Triceps brachii

Posterior arm muscle originating from scapula and humerus, inserting into olecranon; extends forearm/elbow.

Anconeus

Muscle originating from lateral epicondyle of humerus and inserting into olecranon and proximal posterior ulna; assists elbow extension and stabilizes elbow.

Pronator teres

Anterior forearm muscle originating from medial epicondyle of humerus and coronoid process of ulna, inserting into radius; pronates forearm.

Flexor carpi radialis

Anterior forearm muscle originating from medial epicondyle and inserting into bases of metacarpals II–III; flexes and abducts wrist.

Palmaris longus

Anterior forearm muscle originating from medial epicondyle and inserting into palmar aponeurosis; tenses skin & fascia of palm.

Flexor carpi ulnaris

Anterior forearm muscle originating from medial epicondyle and ulna, inserting into pisiform, hook of hamate, and base of metacarpal V; flexes and adducts wrist.

Flexor digitorum superficialis

Muscle originating from medial epicondyle, coronoid process, and radius, inserting into middle phalanges of fingers 2–5; flexes fingers 2–5 mainly at middle finger joints and assists wrist flexion.

Flexor digitorum profundus

Deep forearm muscle originating from ulna and interosseous membrane, inserting into distal phalanges of fingers 2–5; flexes distal phalanges.

Flexor pollicis longus

Muscle originating from radius and interosseous membrane, inserting into distal phalanx of thumb; flexes thumb.

Pronator quadratus

Deep distal forearm muscle originating from ulna and inserting into radius; pronates forearm.

Brachioradialis

Posterior compartment forearm muscle originating from humerus and inserting into radial styloid process; flexes forearm, especially with thumb-up grip.

Extensor carpi radialis longus

Muscle originating from lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus and inserting into metacarpal II; extends and abducts wrist.

Extensor carpi radialis brevis

Muscle originating from lateral epicondyle and inserting into metacarpal III; extends and abducts wrist.

Extensor digitorum

Muscle originating from lateral epicondyle and inserting into distal phalanges of fingers 2–5; extends fingers.

Extensor carpi ulnaris

Muscle originating from lateral epicondyle and ulna, inserting into metacarpal V; extends and adducts wrist.

Supinator

Muscle originating from lateral epicondyle and ulna, inserting into radius; supinates forearm.

Abductor pollicis longus

Deep posterior forearm muscle originating from radius, ulna, and interosseous membrane, inserting into first metacarpal; abducts and extends thumb.

Extensor pollicis (brevis, longus)

Deep posterior forearm muscles originating from radius, ulna, and interosseous membrane, inserting into proximal and distal phalanx of thumb; extend thumb.

Extensor indicis

Muscle originating from ulna and interosseous membrane, inserting into extensor expansion of index finger; extends index finger.

Gluteus maximus

Superficial gluteal muscle originating from ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, inserting into iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of femur; extends thigh.

Gluteus medius

Gluteal muscle originating from ilium and inserting into greater trochanter; abducts and medially rotates thigh.

Gluteus minimus

Deep gluteal muscle originating from ilium and inserting into greater trochanter; abducts and medially rotates thigh, and stabilizes pelvis.

Tensor fascia lata (TFL)

Muscle originating from anterior superior iliac spine and inserting into iliotibial tract; provides hip & knee stabilization by making iliotibial tract tight.

Piriformis

Deep hip muscle originating from anterior sacrum and inserting into greater trochanter; laterally rotates extended thigh and abducts flexed thigh.

Sartorius

Anterior thigh muscle originating from anterior superior iliac spine and inserting into medial proximal tibia; flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates thigh, and flexes knee.

Rectus femoris

Quadriceps muscle originating from anterior inferior iliac spine and acetabulum, inserting into patella and tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament; extends knee and flexes thigh at hip.

Quadriceps femoris

Four-muscle group of the anterior thigh comprising rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius; acts primarily to extend the knee.

Vastus lateralis

Anterior thigh muscle originating from greater trochanter and linea aspera; extends knee.

Vastus medialis

Anterior thigh muscle originating from linea aspera; extends knee and helps stabilize patella.

Vastus intermedius

Anterior thigh muscle originating from proximal femoral shaft; extends knee.

Iliacus

Hip flexor originating from iliac fossa, crest, and sacrum, inserting into lesser trochanter; flexes thigh at trunk and flexes vertebral column laterally.

Psoas major

Hip flexor originating from lumbar vertebrae and inserting into lesser trochanter; flexes thigh at trunk and flexes vertebral column laterally.

Pectineus

Medial thigh muscle originating from pubis and inserting into linea aspera; adducts, flexes, and medially rotates thigh.

Adductor longus

Medial compartment thigh muscle originating from pubis and inserting into linea aspera; adducts, flexes, and medially rotates thigh.

Adductor brevis

Medial compartment thigh muscle originating from pubis and inserting into linea aspera; adducts, flexes, and medially rotates thigh.

Adductor magnus

Large medial thigh muscle originating from pubis, pubic ramus, and ischial tuberosity, inserting into linea aspera; adducts, flexes, and medially rotates thigh, and extends hip.

Gracilis

Medial thigh muscle originating from ramus and pubis, inserting into tibia; adducts, flexes, and medially rotates leg.

Hamstrings

Group of three posterior thigh muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) innervated by the sciatic nerve; primarily flex the knee and extend the hip.

Biceps femoris

Two-headed hamstring muscle originating from ischial tuberosity and inserting into head of fibula; flexes knee and extends thigh.

Semitendinosus

Hamstring muscle originating from ischial tuberosity and inserting into tibia; flexes knee and extends thigh.

Semimembranosus

Hamstring muscle originating from ischial tuberosity and inserting into medial condyle of tibia; flexes knee and extends thigh.

Tibialis anterior

Anterior leg muscle originating from tibia and interosseous membrane, inserting into medial cuneiform and metatarsal I; dorsiflexes and inverts foot.

Extensor digitorum longus

Anterior leg muscle originating from tibia, fibula, and interosseous membrane, inserting into middle and distal phalanges of toes 2–5; extends toes.

Fibularis (peroneus) tertius

Anterior leg muscle originating from fibula and interosseous membrane, inserting into metatarsal V; dorsiflexes and everts foot.

Extensor hallucis longus

Anterior leg muscle originating from fibula and interosseous membrane, inserting into metatarsal V; extends big toe.