Muscle Actions Overview

Trapezius

Rotates scapula and extends the neck

Rhomboid

Adducts the scapula

Levator scapulae

Elevates the scapula

Pectoralis minor

Protracts the shoulder

Serratus anterior

Protracts the scapula

Deltoid

Abducts the arm

Supraspinatus

Performs abduction at the shoulder

Infraspinatus

Causes lateral rotation at the shoulder

Subscapularis

Induces medial rotation at the shoulder

Teres major

Responsible for extension and medial rotation at the shoulder

Teres minor

Promotes lateral rotation and adduction at the shoulder

Coracobrachialis

Facilitates adduction and flexion at the shoulder

Pectoralis major

Performs adduction, flexion, and medial rotation of the arm

Latissimus dorsi

Involved in extension, adduction, and medial rotation at the shoulder

Extensor carpi ulnaris

Causes extension and adduction at the wrist

Triceps brachii

Responsible for extension at the elbow

Biceps brachii

Induces flexion at the elbow and supination of the forearm

Brachialis

Promotes flexion at the elbow

Brachioradialis

Facilitates flexion at the elbow

Pronator teres

Causes pronation of the forearm

Supinator

Induces supination of the forearm

Flexor carpi ulnaris

Responsible for flexion and adduction at the wrist

Flexor carpi radialis

Promotes flexion and abduction at the wrist

Palmaris longus

Facilitates flexion at the wrist

Gluteus maximus

Involved in extension and lateral rotation at the hip

Gluteus medius

Promotes abduction and medial rotation at the hip

Gluteus minimus

Causes abduction and medial rotation at the hip

Tensor fasciae latae

Facilitates extension of the knee and lateral rotation of the leg

Adductor brevis

Promotes adduction and flexion at the hip

Adductor longus

Causes adduction and medial rotation at the hip

Adductor magnus

Facilitates adduction at the hip

Pectineus

Promotes flexion and adduction at the hip

Gracilis

Facilitates flexion and medial rotation at the knee; Also, adduction and medial rotation at the hip

Iliacus

Responsible for flexion at the hip

Psoas major

Promotes flexion at the hip

Vastus intermedius

Causes extension of the leg

Vastus lateralis

Facilitates extension of the leg

Vastus medialis

Promotes extension of the leg

Rectus femoris

Involved in extending the leg; Also, flexion at the hip

Biceps femoris

Facilitates flexion of the leg; Also, extension at the hip

Semimembranosus

Promotes flexion of the leg

Semitendinosus

Causes flexion of the leg

Sartorius

Allows crossing of the lower leg; Also, flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the hip

Popliteus

Induces medial rotation of the hip

Tibialis anterior

Responsible for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot

Gastrocnemius

Promotes plantar flexion

Fibularis brevis

Facilitates plantar flexion and eversion of the foot

Fibularis longus

Causes plantar flexion and eversion of the foot

Plantaris

Promotes plantar flexion

Soleus

Facilitates plantar flexion

Tibialis posterior

Responsible for plantar flexion and inversion of the foot