Muscle Function

frontalis

Raises the eyebrows.

occipitalis

Pulls on the galea aponeurosis when contracted.

orbicularis oculi

Responsible for blinking.

orbicularis oris

Circular muscle that moves the lips.

zygomaticus major

Facilitates smiling.

temporalis

Retracts the mandible to close the mouth.

sternocleidomastoid

Laterally flexes and rotates the head.

trapezius

Stabilizes the scapula.

latissimus dorsi

Moves the humerus inferiorly generally.

pectoralis major

Moves the humerus.

pectoralis minor

Responsible for abduction of the scapula.

deltoid

Facilitates abduction of the arm.

biceps brachii

Enables elbow flexion.

brachialis

Flexes the arm.

triceps brachii

Enables elbow extension.

rhomboid major

Responsible for scapular retraction.

rhomboid minor

Also responsible for scapular retraction.

gracilis

Facilitates hip adduction.

gluteus maximus

Responsible for hip extension.

rectus femoris

Enables knee extension.

vastus lateralis

Facilitates knee extension.

vastus medialis

Facilitates knee extension.

vastus intermedius

Facilitates knee extension.

tensor fascia latte

Contributes to flexing and abducting the thigh.

sartorius

Enables hip flexion.

biceps femoris

Facilitates knee flexion.

gastrocnemius

Responsible for plantar flexion.

soleus

Aids in plantar flexion, important for standing and walking.

diaphragm

Primary muscle of respiration.

rectus abdominis

Facilitates trunk flexion, bending forward.

abdominal obliques

Facilitates external and internal trunk rotation.

transverse abdominis

Provides core stabilization.