Muscles and Functions

frontalis

raises eyebrows

temporalis

elevates and retracts mandible

orbicularis oculi

closes eye, winks

orbicularis oris

speech, whistling

masseter

mastication, elevates mandible, side to side, protruding

rectus abdominis

flexes vertebral column, aids in defecation, urination, vomiting, childbirth

internal and external obliques

compress abdomen, lateral bend in spine

diaphragm

primary muscle of breathing, alters size of thoracic cavity with help of intercostals

intercostals

elevate ribs during inhalation, compress ribs during exhalation

trapezius

shrugs shoulders, extends head

serratus anterior

moves scapula laterally, forward, and rotates it upwards

deltoid

abducts humerus

latissimus dorsi

extends and adducts humerus

sternocleidomastoid

flexes neck, rotates head

pectoralis major

flexes, adducts, and rotates medially at the shoulder

biceps brachii

flexes and supinates forearm, flexes arm

brachioradialis

flexes and supinates forearm

triceps brachii

extends forearm and arm

flexor carpi radialis

flexes and abducts wrist

flexor carpi ulnaris

flexes and adducts wrist

extensor carpi radialis

extends and abducts wrist

extensor carpi ulnaris

extends and adducts wrist

gluteus maximus

extends thigh at hip

gluteus medius

abducts thigh at hip

gracilis

adducts thigh, flexes leg

quadriceps

extend leg at knee

sartorius

flexes, abducts, lateral rotation of thigh at hip, flexes knee

hamstrings

flex knee and extend hip

tibialis anterior

dorsiflexes and inverts foot

peroneus longus

plantar flexes and everts foot

gastrocnemius

plantar flexes foot, aids in knee flexion

soleus

plantar flexes foot