Upper Extremity

This set of flashcards covers the key muscles acting on the upper extremity, including their functions and relationships.

Levator scapulae

Muscle that elevates and retracts the scapula, inferiorly rotates scapula, and flexes the neck to the same side when the scapula is fixed.

Rhomboid major

Muscle that elevates and retracts the scapula and inferiorly rotates the scapula.

Rhomboid minor

Same function as rhomboid major, elevates and retracts the scapula.

Serratus anterior

Muscle that stabilizes, superiorly rotates, and protracts the scapula, acting as the prime mover of scapula protraction.

Trapezius

Muscle that elevates, retracts, and depresses the scapula, with upper fibers rotating the scapula superiorly.

Deltoid

Muscle that flexes, extends, and abducts the arm at the shoulder.

Pectoralis major

Muscle that adducts, medially rotates, and flexes the arm; a prime mover for arm flexion.

Coracobrachialis

Muscle that adducts and flexes the arm.

Biceps brachii

Muscle that flexes and supinates the forearm; long head also flexes the arm.

Triceps brachii

Primary extensor of the forearm; long head also extends and adducts the arm.

Flexor carpi ulnaris

Muscle that flexes the wrist and adducts the hand.

Extensor carpi radialis longus

Muscle that extends the wrist and abducts the hand.

Flexor digitorum superficialis

Muscle that flexes the wrist and the 2nd-5th MP and PIP joints.

Posterior compartment of the arm

Contains muscles responsible for extending the forearm.

Anterior compartment of the arm

Contains muscles that flex the shoulder or arm.