Muscle of the Upper Limb

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to the muscles of the upper limb.

Upper limb muscles

Muscles that are part of the appendicular system and include pectoral girdle, arm, forearm, and hand muscles.

Pectoral girdle

The group of muscles attaching the upper limb to the body, including the clavicle and scapula.

Trapezius

A large muscle extending from the neck down to the shoulder, responsible for moving the scapula.

Levator scapulae

A muscle that elevates the scapula.

Rhomboid major and minor

Muscles that pull the scapula medially towards the spine.

Serratus anterior

A muscle that pulls the scapula anteriorly, contributing to its protraction.

Coracobrachialis

A muscle that flexes and adducts the arm at the shoulder.

Latissimus dorsi

A large muscle of the back that extends and rotates the shoulder.

Biceps brachii

A muscle of the upper arm responsible for flexing the elbow.

Triceps brachii

A muscle of the upper arm responsible for extending the elbow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often due to repetitive movements.

Extensor muscles

Muscles that allow extension of the fingers and wrist.

Flexor carpi radialis

A muscle that allows flexion of the wrist towards the thumb.

Flexor digitorum superficialis

A muscle that flexes the middle phalanges of the fingers.

Teres major

A muscle that helps in the extension and medial rotation of the humerus.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow.

Origin and insertion

The points where a muscle begins (origin) and ends (insertion), critical for understanding its action.

Supraspinatus

A muscle that is part of the rotator cuff, responsible for the initial phase of arm abduction.

Infraspinatus

A muscle that is part of the rotator cuff, responsible for external rotation of the arm.

Teres minor

A small muscle that assists in the lateral rotation and adduction of the arm.

Subscapularis

A muscle that is part of the rotator cuff, responsible for internal rotation of the arm.

Deltoid

A muscle that covers the shoulder, responsible for arm abduction, flexion, and extension.

Brachialis

A muscle located beneath the biceps, responsible for flexing the elbow.

Forearm muscles

Muscles that include flexors and extensors, allowing movement of the wrist and fingers.

Anatomical Snuff Box

A triangular deepening on the radial side of the wrist, formed by the tendons of the extensor muscles.

Palmaris longus

A muscle that aids in wrist flexion, though it's absent in some individuals.

Opponens pollicis

A muscle that allows opposition of the thumb, facilitating gripping.

Rotator Cuff

A group of muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of arm motion.

Pectoralis Major

A large, fan-shaped muscle that covers the upper front of the chest and aids in the movement of the shoulder joint.

Biceps Brachii

A muscle of the upper arm that flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm.

Triceps Brachii

A muscle located at the back of the upper arm, responsible for elbow extension.

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

A muscle of the forearm that flexes and adducts the wrist.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

A muscle that extends and abducts the wrist.

Flexor Digitorum Profundus

A muscle that flexes the distal phalanges of the fingers.

Pronator Teres

A muscle of the forearm that pronates the forearm and flexes the elbow.

Palmar Aponeurosis

A thick fascia in the palm of the hand that supports the skin and underlying structures.

Radial Nerve

A major nerve in the arm that supplies the muscles of the triceps and forearm extensors.

Flexor Pollicis Longus

A muscle that flexes the thumb, allowing for thumb opposition and gripping.

Extensor Pollicis Brevis

A muscle that extends the proximal phalanx of the thumb, facilitating thumb movement.

Extensor Pollicis Longus

A muscle that extends the distal phalanx of the thumb, aiding in thumb motion.

Abductor Pollicis Longus

A muscle that abducts the thumb and extends it at the carpometacarpal joint.

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

A muscle that flexes the middle phalanges of the fingers and plays a key role in finger movement.

Brachioradialis

A muscle of the forearm that flexes the arm at the elbow and helps in forearm rotation.

Anconeus

A small muscle that assists in elbow extension and stabilizes the elbow joint.

Palmaris Brevis

A small muscle in the palm that helps improve grip by tightening the skin of the palm.

Pronator Quadratus

A muscle that pronates the forearm, working with the pronator teres.

Interossei Muscles

Muscles between the metacarpal bones that aid in finger abduction and adduction.