muscles acting on the elbow and forearm

brachialis

prime mover of elbow flexion

biceps brachii

• elbow flexion

• rapid or forceful supination of forearm

• slight shoulder flexion

• long head stabilizes shoulder by holding humeral head against glenoid cavity

triceps brachii

• elbow extension

• long head extends and adducts arm

brachioradilis

elbow flexion

anconeus

elbow extension

pronator quadratus

• forearm pronation

• resists separation of radius and ulna when force is applied to forearm through wrist, as in doing push-ups

pronator teres

forearm pronation in rapid or forceful actions

supinator

forearm supination, as in turning a doorknob or driving a screw into wood with the right hand