9.9A: Muscles of the Humerus that Act on the Forearm (2024)

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Humerus that act on the forearm are primarily involved in flexion and extension.

Learning Objectives

Diagram the movements of the humerus muscles that act on the forearm

Key Points

Muscles of both the upper arm and forearm control movement of the forearm.
The biceps brachii flex the forearm and work with the supinator of the forearm to rotate it so the palm faces upward.
The triceps brachii extend the forearm.
The pronator teres and quadratus control pronation, or rotation of the forearm so that the palm faces downward.

Key Terms

Pronator Teres: A muscle of the anterior compartment of the forearm that controls pronation.
Supinator: A muscle of the posterior compartment of the forearm that controls supination.
Pronator Quadraturs: A muscle of the anterior compartment of the forearm that controls pronation.
Brachioradialis: A muscle of the posterior compartment of the forearm that flexes the forearm.
Biceps Brachii: A muscle of the anterior compartment of the upper arm that flexes the forearm.
Triceps Brachii: A muscle of the posterior compartment of the upper arm that extends the forearm.

The humerus is a long bone in the arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. Anatomically, it interacts with the scapula to form the shoulder joint and the radius and ulna of the lower arm to form the elbow joint. Forearm rotation is controlled by two joints: the proximal radioulnar joint which exists immediately below the elbow, and the distal radioulnar joint located immediately before the wrist.

Upper Arm

There are four muscles in the upper arm split into an anterior and posterior compartment.

Anterior Compartment

Superficial muscles of the chest and upper arm: The biceps brachii is located in the anterior compartment of the upper arm and flexes and supinates the forearm at the elbow.

Three muscles are located in the anterior compartment of the upper arm.

Biceps Brachii: The biceps brachii is a two-headed muscle. Although the majority of the muscle mass is located anteriorly to the humerus, it has no attachment to the bone itself.
- Attachments: Both heads originate from the scapula and attach via the bicipital aponeurosis to the fascia of the forearm.
- Action: Supination of the forearm. It also flexes the arm at the elbow and at the shoulder.
Coracobrachialis: The coracobrachialis lies within the two heads of the biceps brachii.
- Attachments: Originates from the scapula and attaches to the humerus.
- Action: Flexing of the arm at the shoulder, and weak adduction.
Brachialis: The brachialis muscle lies within the distal region of the biceps brachii.
- Attachments: Originates from the humerus and attaches to the ulna.
- Action: Flexing of the arm at the elbow.

Posterior Compartment

The posterior compartment of the upper arm contains only one muscle.

Triceps Brachii: The triceps brachii is a three-headed muscle.
- Attachments: The long head originates from the scapula, the lateral head from the proximal region of the humerus, and the medial head from the distal region of the humerus. All three converge into one tendon which attaches to the ulna.
- Action: Extension of the arm at the elbow.

Forearm

Superficial muscles of the posterior forearm: The anconeus, located in the superficial region of the posterior forearm compartment, moves the ulna during pronation and extends the forearm at the elbow.

As with the upper arm, the forearm is split into anterior and posterior compartments. Only those responsible for movement of the forearm are discussed below; the muscles responsible for movement of the hand and wrist are discussed in a later section.

The anterior compartment of the forearm is split into superficial, intermediate, and deep regions.

Pronator Teres: A rectangular muscle located in the superficial region of the anterior compartment.
- Attachments: The pronator teres has two origins, one on the proximal end of the humerus and one of the distal end of the ulna. It attaches to the mid region of the radius.
- Action: Pronates the forearm.
Pronator Quadratus: A square shaped muscle located adjacent to the wrist in the deep region of the anterior compartment.
- Attachments: Originates from the ulna and attaches to the radius.
- Action: Pronates the forearm.

Posterior

The posterior compartment of the forearm is split into superficial and deep regions.

Anconeus: The anconeus is located in the superficial region of the forearm posterior compartment and is blended with the triceps brachii.
- Attachments: Originates from the humerus and attaches to the ulna.
- Action: Moves the ulna during pronation and extends the forearm at the elbow.
Brachioradialis: The brachioradialis is located in the superficial region of the forearm posterior compartment,
- Attachments: Originates from the humerus and attaches to the distal end of the radius.
- Action: Flexes the forearm at the elbow.
Supinator: The supinator is located in the deep region of the forearm posterior compartment.
- Attachments: The supinator has two heads: one originating from the humerus, the other from the ulna. Together they attach to the radius.
- Action: Supinates the forearm.

KEY MOVEMENTS

Extension (forearm away from upper arm): Produced by the triceps brachii and anconeus of the forearm.
Flexion (forearm towards upper arm): Produced by the brachialis, biceps brachii, and brachioradialis of the forearm.
Pronation (rotation of the forearm so the palm faces downwards): Produced by the pronator quadratus and pronator teres of the forearm.
Supination (rotation of the forearm so the palm faces upwards): Produced by the supinator of the forearm and biceps brachii.

My background in anatomy and kinesiology allows me to delve into the intricate movements and mechanics of the human body, particularly the musculoskeletal system. The article touches upon the humerus and its interaction with surrounding structures to facilitate the movement of the forearm. Let's break down the key concepts addressed:

Anatomy of the Humerus:

The humerus is a significant bone spanning from the shoulder to the elbow, forming crucial joints with the scapula and the radius/ulna. It plays a pivotal role in forearm movement through interactions with the proximal and distal radioulnar joints.

Muscles and Movements:

Upper Arm Muscles:

Anterior Compartment:
- Biceps Brachii: Initiates flexion and supination of the forearm at the elbow.
- Coracobrachialis: Assists in shoulder flexion and weak adduction.
- Brachialis: Responsible for flexion of the forearm at the elbow.
Posterior Compartment:
- Triceps Brachii: Major extensor of the forearm at the elbow.

Forearm Muscles:

Anterior Compartment:

Pronator Teres: Aids in pronation of the forearm.
Pronator Quadratus: Also involved in pronation.

Posterior Compartment:

Brachioradialis: Facilitates forearm flexion.
Supinator: Primarily responsible for supination.

Key Movements:

Extension: Governed by the triceps brachii and anconeus.
Flexion: Controlled by the brachialis, biceps brachii, and brachioradialis.
Pronation: Enabled by the pronator quadratus and pronator teres.
Supination: Orchestrated by the supinator and biceps brachii.

Understanding the synergistic actions of these muscles is vital in comprehending the complexity of forearm movements. The interplay between these muscles, their attachments, and specific actions allows for the range and precision of motion observed in daily activities.