Muscle action

Temporomandibular Joint

The joint that connects the jaw (mandible) to the skull.

Elevation of the jaw

Achieved by the Temporalis, Masseter, and Medial pterygoid muscles.

Protrusion of the jaw

Movement of the mandible forward, involving the Masseter and Lateral pterygoid.

Depression of the jaw

Lowering of the mandible, usually by the Lateral pterygoid and Suprahyoid muscles.

Flexion of the cervical spine

Involves muscles such as Sternocleidomastoid and Longus colli.

Extension of the lumbar spine

Occurs through the Erector spinae and Quadratus lumborum muscles.

Flexion of the shoulder joint

Performed by the Anterior deltoid, Coracobrachialis, and Biceps brachii.

Abduction of the shoulder joint

Involves the Middle deltoid and Supraspinatus muscles.

Flexion of the elbow joint

Primarily achieved by Biceps brachii and Brachialis.

Supination of the forearm

The rotation that turns the palm up, performed by Biceps brachii and Supinator.

Plantar flexion at the ankle joint

Movement that points the toes, facilitated by Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles.

Flexion of the hip joint

Movement bringing the thigh toward the abdomen, involving Iliopsoas and Rectus femoris.

Ulnar Deviation of the wrist

Movement of the wrist towards the ulnar side, primarily by Extensor carpi ulnaris.

Opposition of the thumb

Unique thumb movement performed by Opponens pollicis and Flexor pollicis brevis.

Abduction of the finger joints

Movement away from the midline of the hand, facilitated by Dorsal interossei and Abductor digiti minimi.