LIST OF BODY MUSCLES and THEIR FUNCTIONS

List of Body muscles are nearly 600 muscles. The three main types of muscles – skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Here we Update List of Skeletal Body Muscles.

LIST OF BODY MUSCLES IN HEAD AND NECK

MUSCLES LIST	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Function / Action
occipitofrontalis	2 occipital bellies and 2 frontal bellies	galea aponeurotia	facial nerve [CNVII]	raises the eyebrows
occipitalis	superior nuchal line of the occipital bone mastoid part of the temporal bone	galea aponeurotica	posterior auricular nerve (facial nerve [CNVII])	moves the scalp back
frontalis	skin of the eyebrow and Glabella	galea aponeurotica	facial nerve [CNVII]	wrinkles eyebrow
Orbicularis oculi	Orbital part: frontal bone Palpebral part: medial palpebral ligament. Lacrimal part: Posterior crest of lacrimal bone	Orbital part: lateral palpebral raphe Palpebral part: lateral palpebral raphe Lacrimal part: Edges of eyelids	zygomatic branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	levator palpebrae superioris
Corrugator supercilii	Nasal part of frontal bone	Intermediate third of skin of eyebrow	Facial nerve [CNVII]	Moves skin of forehead medially and inferiorly (towards root of nose)
depressor supercilii	Nasal part of the frontal bone, medial rim of orbit	Medial third of skin of eyebrow	Facial nerve [CNVII]	Moves skin of eyebrows inferiorly

Extraocular muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
levator palpebrae superioris	sphenoid bone	tarsal plate, upper eyelid	oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	retracts/elevates eyelid
superior tarsal	underside of levator palpebrae superioris	superior tarsal plate of the eyelid	sympathetic nervous system	raise the upper eyelid

Rectus muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
superior	annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex	7.5 mm superior to the corneal limbus	oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	elevates, adducts, and rotates medially the eye
inferior		6.5 mm inferior to the corneal limbus	inferior branch of oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	depression and adduction
medial		5.5 mm medial to the corneal limbus	inferior division of the oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	adducts the eyeball
lateral		7 mm temporal to the corneal limbus	abducens nerve [CNVI]	abducts the eyeball

Oblique muscles :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Superior	annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex, medial to optic canal	outer posterior quadrant of the eyeball	trochlear nerve [CNIV]	primary: intorsion. secondary:abduct (laterally rotate) and depress the eyeball
Inferior	orbital surface of the maxilla, lateral to the lacrimal groove	laterally onto the eyeball, deep to the lateral rectus, by a short flat tendon	oculomotor nerve [CNIII]	extorsion, elevation, abduction

EAR :

Muscle	Origin O	Insertion	Nerve	Action
temporoparietalis	auriculares muscle	galea aponeurotica	facial nerve [CNVII]
Auriculares
auricularis anterior	Temporal fascia	front of the helix	facial nerve [CNVII]
auricularis superior	Epicranial aponeurosis	Dorsocranial surface of the pinna	facial nerve [CNVII]
auricularis posterior	Mastoid process of temporal bone and tendon of sternocleidomastoid	Dorsal part of the pinna	facial nerve [CNVII]

Muscles of the inner ear :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
stapedius		neck of stapes	facial nerve [CNVII]	control the amplitude of sound waves to the inner ear
tensor tympani	Eustachian tube	handle of the malleus	medial pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	tensing the tympanic membrane

Nose :

NASALIS :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
transverse part (compressor naris)	Alveolar yoke of the canine tooth	lateral nasal cartilage	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	compression of nostrils
Alar part (dilator naris)	Alveolar yoke of lateral incisor tooth greater and lesser alar cartilages	skin near the margin of the nostril	buccal branch of facial nerve [CNVII]	dilation of nostrils

Mouth :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
levator anguli oris	maxilla	modiolus of mouth	facial nerve [CNVII]	smile (elevates angle of mouth)
depressor anguli oris	tubercle of mandible	modiolus of mouth	mandibular branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	depresses angle of mouth
levator labii superioris	Medial part of infra-orbital margin of maxilla	skin and muscle of the upper lip (labii superioris)	buccal branch of the facial nerce [CNVII]	Elevates the upper lip
depressor labii inferioris	oblique line of the mandible, between the symphysis and the mental foramen	integument of the lower lip, orbicularis oris fibers, its fellow of the opposite side	facial nerve [CNVII]	Depresses the lower lip
Mentalis	Alveolar yoke of the lower, lateral incisor tooth, found on the anterior mandible	skin of the chin	mandibular branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates and wrinkles skin of chin, protrudes lower lip
Buccinator	Alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible, pterygomandibular raphe	in the fibres of the orbicularis oris	buccal branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	compress the cheeks against the teeth (blowing), mastication.
Orbicularis oris	maxilla and mandible	skin around the lips		puckers the lips
Risorius	parotid fascia	modiolus of mouth		draw back angle of mouth

Zygomatic muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Major	zygomatic bone in region of zygomaticomaxillary suture	modiolus of mouth	buccal branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	draws the angle of the mouth upward and laterally
Minor	zygomatic bone in region of zygomaticomaxillary suture	skin of the upper lip	buccal branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	elevates upper lip

Mastication:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
masseter	anterior two-thirds of inferior margin of the zygomatic arch and maxilla	Angle of mandible, masseteric tuberosity	Masseteric nerve, from mandibular nerve [CNV3]	Elevation (as in closing of the mouth) and retraction of mandible
Temporalis	Temporal lines on the parietal bone of the skull	coronoid process of the mandible	mandibular nerve [CNV3]	elevation and retraction of mandible

Pterygoid muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Lateral	greater wing of sphenoid and lateral pterygoid process	condyloid process of mandible	external pterygoid nerve from the mandibular nerve [CNV3]	depresses mandible
Medial	deep head: medial side of lateral pterygoid plate behind the upper teeth superficial head: pyramidal process of palatine bone and maxillary tuberosity	medial angle of the mandible	medial pterygoid nerve from the mandibular nerve [CNV3]	elevates mandible, closes jaw, helps lateral pterygoid muscle in moving the jaw from side to side

Tongue

Extrinsic muscle

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Genioglossus	Superior part of mental spine of mandible (symphysis menti)	Dorsum of tongue and body of hyoid	hypoglossal nerve	Complex – Inferior fibers protrude the tongue, middle fibers depress the tongue, and its superior fibers draw the tip back and down
Hyoglossus	hyoid	side of the tongue	hypoglossal nerve	depresses tongue
Chondroglossus	lesser cornu and body of the hyoid bone	intrinsic muscular fibers of the tongue	hypoglossal nerve	depresses tongue (some consider this muscle to be part of hyoglossus)
Styloglossus	Styloid process of temporal bone	tongue	Hypoglossal nerve	elevates and retracts tongue
Palatoglossus	palatine aponeurosis	tongue	vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve	raising the back part of the tongue

Intrinsic muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Superior longitudinal	Close to the epiglottis, from the median fibrous septum	edges of the tongue	hypoglossal nerve	shortens, turns tip upward, turns lateral margins upward
Transversus	Median fibrous septum	sides of the tongue	hypoglossal nerve	narrows and not elongated
Inferior longitudinal	Root of the tongue	apex of the tongue	Hypoglossal nerve	shortens, retracts, pulls tip downward
verticalis muscle	Dorsum of tongue	inferior surface borders of tongue	hypoglossal nerve	flattens

Soft palate:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
musculus uvulae	hard palate		Moves and changes shape of the uvula
Palatoglossus	palatine aponeurosis	tongue	vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve	Aids in respiration by raising the back part of the tongue
Palatopharyngeus	palatine aponeurosis and hard palate	upper border of thyroid cartilage (blends with constrictor fibers)	vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve	Aids in respiration by pulling the pharynx and larynx

Pharynx :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Stylopharyngeus	temporal styloid process	thyroid cartilage (pharynx)	glossopharyngeal nerve	elevate the larynx, elevate the pharynx, swallowing
salpingopharyngeus	Cartilage of the Eustachian tube	posterior fasciculus of the pharyngopalatinus muscle	vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve	raise the nasopharynx

Pharyngeal muscles :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Inferior	cricoid and thyroid cartilage	pharyngeal raphe	external laryngeal branch of the vagus	Swallowing
Middle	hyoid bone	pharyngeal raphe	vagus nerve	Swallowing
Superior	medial pterygoid plate, pterygomandibular raphé, alveolar process	pharyngeal raphe, pharyngeal tubercle	vagus nerve	Swallowing

Larynx:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
cricothyroid	anterior and lateral cricoid cartilage	inferior cornu and lamina of the thyroid cartilage	external laryngeal branch of the vagus	tension and elongation of the vocal folds (has minor adductory effect)
Arytenoid	arytenoid cartilage on one side	arytenoid cartilage on the opposite side	recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus	approximate the arytenoid cartilages (close rima glottidis)
thyroarytenoid	inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (anterior aspect)	anterior surface of arytenoid cartilage	recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus	thickens the vocal folds and decreases length; also helps to adduct the vocal folds during speech

Cricoarytenoid muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Posterior	posterior part of the cricoid	muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage	recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus	abducts and laterally rotates the cartilage, pulling the vocal ligaments away from the midline and forward and so opening the rima glottidis
Lateral	lateral part of the arch of the cricoid	muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage	recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus	adduct and medially rotate the cartilage, pulling the vocal ligaments towards the midline and backwards and so closing off the rima glottidis

List of Body Muscles in Neck:

Clavicular muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Platysma	base of mandible	inferior clavicle and fascia of chest	cervical branch of the facial nerve [CNVII]	Tenses the skin of the neck
Sternocleidomastoid :	Sternal head : manubrium sterni Clavicular head : medial portion of the clavicle	mastoid process of the temporal bone, superior nuchal line	motor : accessory nerve sensory : cervical plexus	Acting alone, tilts head to its own side and rotates it so the face is turned towards the opposite side. Acting together, flexes the neck, raises the sternum and assists in forced inspiration.

Suprahyoid muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Digastric	Anterior belly: digastric fossa (mandible) Posterior belly: mastoid process of temporal bone	Intermediate tendon (lesser horn of hyoid bone)	Anterior belly : mandibular nerve [CNV3] via the mylohyoid nerve Posterior belly : facial nerve [CNVII]	Opens the jaw when the masseter and the temporalis are relaxed.
Stylohyoid	Styloid process (temporal)	greater cornu of hyoid bone	facial nerve [CNVII]	Elevate the hyoid during swallowing
Mylohyoid	Mylohyoid line (mandible)	Median raphe	mylohyoid nerve, from inferior alveolar branch of mandibular nerve [V3]	Raises oral cavity floor, elevates hyoid, depresses mandible
Geniohyoid	Symphysis menti	Anterior surface of body of hyoid bone	C1 via hypoglossal nerve	Elevates the hyoid and the tongue upward during deglutition

Infrahyoid muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Sternohyoid	manubrium of sternum	hyoid bone	Ansa cervicalis	depress hyoid bone
Sternothyroid	manubrium	thyroid cartilage	Ansa cervicalis	Depresses larynx, may slightly depress hyoid bone.
Thyrohyoid	thyroid cartilage	hyoid bone	C1	depress hyoid bone
Omohyoid	Upper border of the scapula	Hyoid bone	Ansa cervicalis	Depresses the larynx and hyoid bone. Carries hyoid bone backward and to the side

Neck

Anterior muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Longus colli	Transverse processes of C-3 – C-6	Anterior arch of atlas	C2, C3, C4, C5, C6	Flexes the neck and head
Longus capitis	Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebrae	basilar part of the occipital bone	C1, C2, C3/C4	flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
Rectus capitis anterior	atlas	occipital bone	C1	flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
Rectus capitis lateralis	Upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas	Under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone	C1	Sidebend at atlanto-occipital joint

Lateral muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Scalene muscles	Cervical vertebrae	first and second ribs	cervical nerves (C3, C4, C5, C6, C7)	elevation of ribs I&II
Anterior	C3-C6	first rib	ventral ramus of C5, C6	When the neck is fixed, elevates the first rib to aid in breathing or when the rib is fixed, bends the neck forward and sideways and rotates it to the opposite side
Medius	C2-C6	first rib	ventral rami of the third to eighth cervical spinal nerves	Elevate 1st rib, rotate the neck to the opposite side
posterior	transverse processes of C4 – C6	2nd rib	ascending cervical artery, superficial cervical artery C6, C7, C8	Elevate 2nd rib, tilt the neck to the same side
Levator scapulae	Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 – C4	Superior part of medial border of scapula	cervical nerve (C3, C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5)	Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula
Rectus capitis lateralis	upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas (C1)	under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone	C1
Obliquus capitis superior	lateral mass of atlas	lateral half of the inferior nuchal line	suboccipital nerve
Obliquus capitis inferior	spinous process of the axis	lateral mass of atlas	suboccipital nerve

Posterior muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Rectus capitis posterior minor	The tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas (C1)	the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum	a branch of the dorsal primary division of the suboccipital nerve	extends the head at the neck, but is now considered to be more of a sensory organ than a muscle
Rectus capitis posterior major	Spinous process of the axis (C2)	inferior nucheal line of the occipital bone	Dorsal ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve)
Semispinalis capitis	Articular processes of C4-C6; transverse processes of C7 and T1-T7	occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines	greater occipital nerve	Extension of the head
Longissimus capitis	Articular processes of C4-C7; transverse processes of T1-T5	posterior margin of the mastoid process	posterior branch of spinal nerve	Laterally: Flex the head and neck to the same side Bilaterally: Extend the vertebral column.
Splenius capitis	Ligamentum nuchae,spinous processes of C7-T6	Mastoid process	C3, C4	Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head
Obliquus capitis superior	Lateral mass of atlas	lateral half of the inferior nuchal line	suboccipital nerve
Obliquus capitis inferior	spinous process of the axis	lateral mass of atlas	suboccipital nerve

Torso

Back muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Erector spinae	on the spines of the last four thoracic vertebrae	both the spines of the most cranial thoracic vertebrae and the cervical vertebrae	posterior branch of spinal nerve	extends the vertebral column
Longissimus	transverse process	transverse process	posterior branch of spinal nerve
Spinalis	spinous process	spinous process
Latissimus dorsi	spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs	floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus	thoracodorsal nerve	pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally deltoid, trapezius
Transversospinales	transverse process	spinous process	posterior branches
Semispinalis thoracis (dorsi)	transverse processes of the sixth to the tenth thoracic vertebrae	spinous processes of the upper four thoracic and lower two cervical vertebrae
Semispinalis cervicis (colli)	transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebrae	cervical spinous processes, from the axis to the fifth
Semispinalis capitis (complexus)	Transversal process of lower cervical and higher thoracal columna	area between superior and inferior nuchal line	greater occipital nerve	Extends the head
Multifidus	sacrum, erector spinae aponeurosis, PSIS, and iliac crest	spinous process	posterior branch of spinal nerve	Stabilizes vertebrae in local movements of vertebral column
Rotatores	transverse process	spinous process	posterior branch
Interspinales	spinous process	spinous process	posterior rami of spinal nerves	Extension, flexion and rotation of vertebral column.
Intertransversarii	transverse process	transverse process above	anterior rami of spinal nerves	Lateral flexion of trunk

Splenius muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Capitis	ligamentum nuchae, spinous process of C7-T6	Mastoid process of temporal and occipital bone	C3, C4	Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head
Cervicis	spinous processes of T3-T6	transverse processes of C1, C2, C3	C5, C6

Chest muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Intercostals	Ribs 1–11	Ribs 2–12	intercostal nerves
External			intercostal nerves	Inhalation
Internal	Rib – inferior border	rib – superior border	intercostal nerves	hold ribs steady
Innermost			intercostal nerves	Elevate ribs
Subcostales	Inner surface of one rib	inner surface of the second or third rib above, near its angle	intercostal nerves	intercostal nerves
Transversus thoracis	Costal cartilages of last 3–4 ribs, body of sternum, xiphoid process	ribs/costal cartilages 2–6	intercostal nerves	depresses ribs
Levatores costarum	Transverse processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae	superior surfaces of the ribs immediately inferior to the preceding vertebrae	dorsal rami – C8, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11	Assists in elevation of the thoracic rib cage

Serratus posterior muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Inferior	vertebrae T11 – L3	the inferior borders of the 9th through 12th ribs	intercostal nerves	depress the lower ribs, aiding in expiration
Superior	nuchal ligament (or ligamentum nuchae) and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7 through T3	the upper borders of the 2nd through 5th ribs	2nd through 5th intercostal nerves	elevate the ribs which aids in inspiration
Diaphragm			phrenic and lower intercostal nerves	respiration

Abdomen muscle:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Transversus abdominis	Ribs and the iliac crest	inserts into the pubic tubercle via the conjoint tendon, also known as the falx inguinalis	intercostal nerves T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12), iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, genitofemoral nerve	compress the ribs and viscera, providing thoracic and pelvic stability
Rectus abdominis	pubis	costal cartilages of ribs 5–7, xiphoid process of sternum	segmentally by thoraco-abdominal nerves (T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12)	flexion of trunk/lumbar vertebrae
Pyramidalis	pubic symphysis and pubic crest	linea alba	subcostal nerve (T12)	tensing the linea alba
Cremaster	inguinal ligament		genital branch of genitofemoral nerve	raise and lower the scrotum
Quadratus lumborum	iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament	last rib and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae	anterior branches of T12, L1, L2, L3, L4	Alone, lateral flexion of vertebral column; Together, depression of thoracic rib cage

Oblique muscles:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
External	Lower 8 costae	Crista iliaca, ligamentum inguinale	intercostal nerves T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12)	Rotates torso
Internal	inguinal ligament, iliac crest and the lumbodorsal fascia	linea alba, xiphoid process and the inferior ribs	intercostal nerves T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12), iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve	Compresses abdomen and rotates vertebral column

Pelvis:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Coccygeus	sacrospinous ligament		sacral nerves: S4, S5 or S3-S4	closing in the back part of the outlet of the pelvis
Levator ani :
Iliococcygeus	ischial spine and from the posterior part of the tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia	coccyx and anococcygeal raphe	levator ani nerve (S4) inferior rectal nerve from pudendal nerve (S3, S4) coccygeal plexus	Supports the viscera in pelvic cavity
Pubococcygeus	back of the pubis and from the anterior part of the obturator fascia	coccyx and sacrum	levator ani nerve (S4) inferior rectal nerve from pudendal nerve (S3, S4) coccygeal plexus	controls urine flow and contracts during orgasm
Puborectalis	lower part of the pubic symphysis		S3, S4. levator ani nerve	inhibit defecation

Perineum :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Sphincter ani:
Externus			S4 and twigs from inferior anal nerves of pudendal nerve	keep the anal canal and anus closed, aids in the expulsion of the feces
Internus			pudendal nerve	keep the anal canal and anus closed, aids in the expulsion of the feces
Superficial perineal pouch :
Transversus perinei superficialis	anterior part of ischial tuberosity	central point of perineum	pudendal nerve
Bulbospongiosus	median raphé		pudendal nerve	in males, empties the urethra; in females, clenches the vagina
Ischiocavernosus			pudendal nerve	assists the bulbospongiosus muscle
Deep perineal pouch :
Transversus perinei profundus	inferior rami of the ischium	its fellow of the opposite side	pudendal nerve
Sphincter urethrae membranaceae	junction of the inferior rami of the pubis and ischium to the extent of 1.25–2 cm., and from the neighboring fasciae	its fellow of the opposite side	perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4)	Constricts urethra, maintain urinary continence

List of Body Muscles of Upper limbs

Vertebral column:

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Trapezius	down the midline, from the external occipital protuberance, the nuchal ligament, the medial part of the superior nuchal line, and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7-T12	at the shoulders, into the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion process and into the spine of the scapula	major nerve supply is the cranial nerve XI. cervical nerves C3 and C4 receive information about pain in this muscle	Retraction and elevation of scapula.
latissimus dorsi	spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs	floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus	thoracodorsal nerve	pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally
Rhomboids	nuchal ligaments, spinous processes of C7-T5 vertebrae	medial border of the scapula	dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5)	Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall.
Rhomboid major	spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae	medial border of the scapula, inferior to the insertion of rhomboid minor muscle	dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5)	Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall.
Rhomboid minor	nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7- to T1 vertebrae	medial border of the scapula, superior to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle	dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5)	Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall.
levator scapulae	posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 – C4 vertebrae	superior part of medial border of scapula	cervical nerve (C3, C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5)	Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula

Thoracic walls :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Pectoralis major	anterior surface of the medial half of the clavicle. Sternocostal head: anterior surface of the sternum, the superior six costal cartilages	intertubercular groove of the humerus	lateral pectoral nerve and medial pectoral nerve Clavicular head: C5 and C6 Sternocostal head: C7, C8 and T1	Clavicular head: flexes the humerus Sternocostal head: extends the humerus As a whole, adducts and medially rotates the humerus. It also draws the scapula anteriorly and inferiorly.
Pectoralis minor	3rd to 5th ribs, near their costal cartilages	medial border and superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapul	Medial pectoral nerves (C8, T1)	stabilizes the scapula by drawing it inferiorly and anteriorly against the thoracic wall
Subclavius	first rib	subclavian groove of clavicle	nerve to subclavius	Depresses the clavicle
Serratus anterior	fleshy slips from the outer surface of upper 8 or 9 ribs	costal aspect of medial margin of the scapula	long thoracic nerve (from roots of brachial plexus C5, C6, C7)	protract and stabilize scapula, assists in upward rotation

Shoulder Muscle :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Deltoid	clavicle, acromion, spine of the scapula	deltoid tuberosity of humerus	Axillary nerve	shoulder abduction, flexion, and extension
Teres major	posterior aspect of the inferior angle of the scapula	medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus	Lower subscapular nerve (segmental levels C5 and C6)	Internal rotation of the humerus
Rotator cuff :
Supraspinatus	supraspinous fossa of scapula	superior facet of greater tubercle of humerus	suprascapular nerve	abduction of arm and stabilizes humerus
Infraspinatus	infraspinous fossa of the scapula	middle facet of greater tubercle of the humerus	suprascapular nerve	Lateral rotation of arm & Adduction of arm and stabilizes humerus
Teres minor	lateral border of the scapula	inferior facet of greater tubercle of the humerus	axillary nerve	laterally rotates and adducts the arm
Subscapularis	subscapular fossa	lesser tubercle of humerus	upper subscapular nerve, lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6)	rotates medially humerus stabilizes shoulder

Arm :

Anterior compartment :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Coracobrachialis	coracoid process of scapula	medial humerus	musculocutaneous nerve	flexes and adducts at shoulder joint
Biceps brachii	short head: coracoid process of the scapula. long head: supraglenoid tubercle	radial tuberosity	Musculocutaneous nerve (Lateral cord: C5, C6, C7)	flexes elbow and supinates forearm
Brachialis	anterior surface of the humerus, particularly the distal half of this bone	coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna	musculocutaneous nerve	flexion at elbow joint

Posterior compartment :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Triceps brachii	long head:Infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula lateral head: posterior humerus – above radial grove medial head: posterior humerus-under radial groove	olecranon process of ulna	radial nerve	extends forearm, caput longum adducts shoulder, medial head does not function at shoulder
Anconeus	Lateral epicondyle of the humerus	lateral surface of the olecranon process and the superior part of the posterior ulna	radial nerve (C7, C8, and T1)	partly blended in with the triceps, which it assists in extension of the forearm. Stabilises the elbow and abducts the ulna during pronation.

Forearm :

Anterior compartment :

Superficial :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
pronator teres	humeral head: medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon) ulnar head: coronoid process of the ulna	radius pronator tuberosity	median nerve	pronation of forearm, flexes elbow
Flexor carpi radialis	medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon)	Bases of second and third metacarpal bones	median nerve	Flexion and abduction at wrist
Palmaris longus	medial epicondyle of humerus (common flexor tendon)	palmar aponeurosis	median nerve	wrist flexor
Flexor carpi ulnaris	medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor tendon)	pisiform	muscular branches of ulnar nerve	flexion and adduction of wrist
Flexor digitorum superficialis	medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor tendon), as well as parts of the radius and ulna	phalanges II-V	median nerve	flexor of fingers (primarily at proximal interphalangeal joints)

Deep :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
pronator quadratus	medial, anterior surface of the ulna	lateral, anterior surface of the radius	median nerve (anterior interosseous nerve)	weakly pronates the forearm
flexor digitorum profundus	ulna	distal phalanges	lateral belly by median (anterior interosseous), medial belly by muscular branches of ulnar	flex hand, interphalangeal joints
flexor pollicis longus	The middle 2/4 of the Volar surface of the radius and the adjacent interosseus membrane. (Also occasionally a small origin slightly on the medial epicondyle of the ulna.)	The base of the distal phalanx of the thumb	Anterior interosseous nerve (branch of median nerve) (C8, T1)	Flexion of the thumb

Posterior compartment :

Superficial :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Extensor digitorum	lateral epicondyle (common extensor tendon)	2nd–5th phalange	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extension of hand and fingers
Extensor digiti minimi	the anterior portion of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (common extensor tendon)	extensor expansion, located at the base of the proximal phalanx of the finger on the dorsal side	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extends the little finger at all joints
Extensor carpi ulnaris	Common extensor tendon (lateral epicondyle), ulna	5th metacarpal	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extends and adducts the wrist
Brachioradialis	Lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus	Distal radius (Radial styloid process)	radial nerve	Flexion of forearm
Extensor carpi radialis longus	lateral supracondylar ridge	2nd metacarpal	radial nerve	extensor at the wrist joint, abducts the hand at the wrist
Extensor carpi radialis brevis	humerus at the anterior of lateral epicondyle (common extensor tendon)	base of the 3rd metacarpal	posterior interosseus nerve	extensor and abductor of the hand at the wrist joint

Deep :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
supinator	Lateral epicondyle of the humerus, supinator crest of ulna, radial collateral ligament, annular ligament	Lateral proximal radial shaft	posterior interosseus nerve (C7, C8)	supinates forearm
Extensor indicis	ulna	index finger (extensor hood)	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extends index finger, wrist

Anatomical snuff box :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Abductor pollicis longus	ulna, radial styloid process	first metacarpal	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	abduction, extension of thumb
Extensor pollicis brevis	radius	thumb, proximal phalanx	posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8)	extension of thumb at metacarpophalangeal joint

Hand :

Lateral volar:

Thenar :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
opponens pollicis	trapezium and transverse carpal ligament	metacarpal bone of the thumb on its radial side	median nerve	Opposition of the thumb
Flexor pollicis brevis	trapezoid, flexor retinaculum	thumb, proximal phalanx	median nerve, deep branch of ulnar nerve (medial head)	Flexes the thumb
Abductor pollicis brevis	Transverse carpal ligament, the scaphoid and trapezium	Radial base of proximal phalanx of thumb and the thumb extensors	Median nerve	Abducts the thumb
Adductor pollicis	Transverse head: anterior body of the third metacarpal Oblique head: bases of the second and the third metacarpals and the adjacent trapezoid and capitate bones	medial side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb and the ulnar sesamoid	deep branch of ulnar nerve (T1)	adducts the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint

Medial volar :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Palmaris brevis	flexor retinaculum (medial), palmar aponeurosis	palm	superficial branch of ulnar nerve	wrinkle skin of palm
Hypothenar
Abductor digiti minimi	pisiform	base of the proximal phalanx of the 5th digit on the ulnar or medial side	deep branch of ulnar nerve	Abduction of little finger
Flexor digiti minimi brevis	hamate bone	little finger	deep branch of ulnar nerve	flexes little finger extensor digiti minimi muscle
Opponens digiti minimi	Hook of hamate and flexor retinaculum	Medial border of 5th metacarpal	deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8 and T1)	Draws 5th metacarpal anteriorly and rotates it, bringing little finger (5th digit) into opposition with thumb

Intermediate :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
lumbrical	flexor digitorum profundus	extensor expansion	deep branch of ulnar nerve, median nerve	flex metacarpophalangeal joints, extend interphalangeal joints
dorsal interossei	metacarpals	proximal phalanges	deep branch of ulnar nerve	abduct finger
palmar interossei	metacarpals	proximal phalange	deep branch of ulnar nerve	adduction

Lower limb :

Iliac region :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Iliopsoas	iliac fossa (iliacus), sacrum (iliacus), spine (T12, L1, lumbar vertebra, Psoas major, psoas minor)	femur—lesser trochanter (psoas major/minor), shaft below lesser trochanter (iliacus), tendon of psoas major & femur (iliacus)	femoral nerve, Lumbar nerves L1, L2	flexion of hip (psoas major/minor, iliacus), spine rotation (psoas major/minor)
Psoas major	transverse processes, bodies and discs of T12-L5	in the lesser trochanter of the femur	Lumbar plexus via anterior branches of L1, L2, L3	flexes and rotates laterally thigh
Psoas minor	Side of T11+L1 and IV Disc between	Pectineal line and iliopectineal eminence	L1	Weak trunk flexor
Iliacus	iliac fossa	lesser trochanter of femur	femoral nerve (L2, L3)	flexes hip

Gluteal :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Tensor fasciae latae	Iliac crest	iliotibial tract	Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5)	Thigh – flexion, medial rotation trunk stabilization.
Gluteus maximus muscle	Gluteal surface of ilium, lumbar fascia, sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament	Gluteal tuberosity of the femur, iliotibial tract	inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2 nerve roots)	external rotation and extension of the hip joint, supports the extended knee through the iliotibial tract, chief antigravity muscle in sitting
Gluteus medius muscle	Gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus maximus	Greater trochanter of the femur	superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots)	abduction of the hip preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh.
Gluteus minimus muscle	Gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus medius	Greater trochanter of the femur	superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots)	Works in concert with gluteus medius: abduction of the hip preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh.
Lateral rotator group	at or below the acetabulum of the ilium	on or near the greater trochanter of the femur	Obturator nerve, nerve to the Piriformis, nerve to quadratus femoris	lateral rotation of hip
Piriformis	Sacrum	greater trochanter	nerve to the Piriformis (S1 and S2 nerve roots)	laterally rotate (outward) the thigh
Obturator externus	obturator foramen and obturatory membrane	medial aspect of greater trochanter of femur	posterior branch of obturator nerve (L3, L4)	adduct thigh, rotate laterally thigh
Obturator internus	Ischiopubic ramus & obturator membrane	medial aspect of the Greater trochanter	Nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2)	Abducts & rotates laterally thigh, and stabiliser of the hip during walking
Inferior gemellus	Ischial tuberosity	Obturator internus tendon	Nerve to Quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1)	Rotates laterally thigh
Superior gemellus	spine of the ischium	Obturator internus tendon	Nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2)	Rotates laterally thigh
Quadratus femoris	ischial tuberosity	intertrochanteric crest	nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, -S1)	lateral rotation of thigh

Thigh :

Anterior compartment :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Articularis genus	femur	suprapatellar bursa	femoral nerve	Pulling the suprapatellar bursa during extension of the knee.
Sartorius	superior to the anterior superior iliac spine	medial side of the upper tibia in the pes anserinus	femoral nerve	flexion, lateral rotation and abduction of thigh; flexion and medial rotation of leg
Quadriceps femoris	combined rectus femoris and vastus muscles	Patella and Tibial tuberosity via the Patellar ligament	Femoral nerve	Knee extension; Hip flexion (rectus femoris only)
Rectus femoris	anterior inferior iliac spine and the exterior surface of the bony ridge which forms the iliac portion of the acetabulum	Patella and Tibial tuberosity via the Patellar ligament	femoral nerve	knee extension,hip flexion
Vastus lateralis	Greater trochanter, Intertrochanteric line, and Linea aspera of the femur	patella and tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament	femoral nerve	Extends and stabilizes knee
Vastus intermedius	antero/ lateral femur	patella and tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament	femoral nerve	extends knee
Vastus medialis	femur	patella and tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament	femoral nerve	extends knee

Posterior compartment/ Hamstring Muscles :

Hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh.

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Biceps femoris	long head: tuberosity of the ischium, short head: linea aspera, femur	the head of the fibula which articulates with the back of the lateral tibial condyle	long head: medial (tibial) part of sciatic nerve, short head: lateral (common fibular) part of sciatic nerve	flexes knee joint, laterally rotates leg at knee (when knee is flexed), extends hip joint (long head only)
Semitendinosus	tuberosity of the ischium	pes anserinus	sciatic (tibial, L5, S1, S2)	flexes knee, extends hip joint, medially rotates leg at knee
Semimembranosus	tuberosity of the ischium	Medial surface of tibi	sciatic nerve	flexes knee, extends hip joint, medially rotates leg at knee

Medial compartment :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
adductor muscles of the hip	pubis	femur, tibia	obturator nerve	adduction of hip
Gracilis	inferior pubic ramus	tibia (pes anserinus)	anterior branch of obturator nerve	adduction of hip, flexion of hip, medial rotation of knee
Pectineus	superior pubic ramus	lesser trochanter, linea aspera	femoral nerve and obturator nerve (medial compartment)	flexion & adduction of hip
Adductor brevis	anterior surface of the inferior pubic ramus	the lesser trochanter and linea aspera of the femur	anterior branch of obturator nerve	adduction of hip
Adductor longus	pubic body just below the pubic crest	middle third of linea aspera	anterior branch of obturator nerve	adduction & medial rotation of hip
Adductor magnus	tuberosity of the ischium	femur and adductor tubercle of femur	posterior branch of obturator nerve (adductor) and tibial part of sciatic nerve (vertical head)	adduction of hip

Leg :

Anterior compartment :

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Tibialis anterior	body of tibia	medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones of the foot	Deep Fibular (peroneal) nerve	dorsiflex and invert the foot
Extensor hallucis longus	middle portion of the fibula on the anterior surface and the interosseous membrane	dorsal side of the base of the distal phalanx of the Hallux	Deep Fibular (peroneal) nerve	Extends the big toe and assists in dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle. Also is a weak invertor
Extensor digitorum longus	Lateral Condyle of tibia and superior ¾ of interosseous membrane	Middle and Distal phalanges of lateral four digits	Deep Fibular (peroneal) nerve	extension of toes and ankle
Fibularis tertius	distal anterior surface of the fibula	dorsal surface of metatarsal 5	Deep Fibular (peroneal) nerve	dorsi flexes and everts foot

Posterior compartment :

Superficial muscles List :

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
Triceps surae		achilles tendon, calcaneus	posterior tibial artery	tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle joint
gastrocnemius	medial condyle and lateral condyle of femur	calcaneus	sural arteries	tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle joint
soleus fibula	medial border of tibia (soleal line)	tendo calcaneus	sural arteries	tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle joint
plantaris	lateral supracondylar ridge of femur above lateral head of gastrocnemius	Calcaneal tendon (medial side, deep to gastrocnemius tendon)	sural arteries	tibial nerve	plantarflexes ankle joint

DEEP

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
popliteus	middle facet of lateral surface of lateral femoral condyle	posterior tibia under tibial condyles	popliteal artery	tibial nerve	medially rotates and flexes knee
flexor hallucis longus	posterior surface of upper 1/3 of fibula	base of distal phalanx of hallux	fibular artery (peroneal branch of posterior tibial artery	Tibial nerve, S1, S2 nerve roots	flexes all joints of big toe, plantarflexes ankle
flexor digitorum longus	medial tibia	distal phalanges of lateral four digits	posterior tibial artery	tibial nerve	flexes toes

Lateral compartment

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
fibularis muscles	fibula	first metatarsal, medial cuneiform	fibular artery	superficial fibular nerve	plantarflexes ankle, everts ankle
fibularis longus	fibula	first metatarsal, medial cuneiform	fibular artery	superficial fibular nerve	plantarflexes ankle, everts ankle
fibularis brevis	fibula	fifth metatarsal	fibular artery	superficial fibular nerve	plantarflexes ankle, everts ankle

Foot

Dorsal

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
extensor digitorum brevis	calcaneus	toes		deep fibular nerve	extends digits 2, 3, and 4
extensor hallucis brevis	calcaneus deep	base of proximal phalanx of big toe		deep fibular nerve	extends big toe
dorsal interossei of foot	metatarsals	proximal phalanges		lateral plantar nerve(fourth interosseous space: superficial branch others: deep branch), first and second interossei: lateral branch of deep fibular nerve	abducts toes

Plantar

First layer

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
abductor hallucis	medial process of calcaneus, flexor retinaculum, plantar aponeurosis	medial side of base of proximal phalanx of first digit		medial plantar nerve	abducts hallux
flexor digitorum brevis	medial process of calcaneus, plantar aponeurosis, intermuscular septa	middle phalanges of digits 2–5		medial plantar nerve	flexes lateral four toes
abductor digiti minimi	plantar aponeurosis	phalanges of fifth toe	lateral plantar artery	lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2)	flexes and abducts fifth toe

Second layer

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
quadratus plantae	calcaneus	tendons of flexor digitorum longus		lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2)	flexes distal interphalangeal joints (assists flexor digitorum longus)
lumbricals	tendons of flexor digitorum longus	medial surface of extensor expansion of proximal phalanges of lateral four toes	lateral plantar artery, plantar arch, four plantar metatarsal arteries	lateral plantar nerve (lateral three lumbricals) and medial plantar nerve (first lumbrical)	maintain extension of digits at interphalangeal joints

Third layer

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
flexor hallucis brevis	plantar surface of cuneiforms, plantar calcaneocuboid ligament, long plantar liga	medial head: medial sesamoid bone of metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe lateral head: lateral sesamoid bone of metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe		medial plantar nerve	flexes big toe
adductor hallucis	oblique head: proximal ends of middle 3 metatarsals	lateral side of base of proximal phalanx of big toe, sesamoid		lateral plantar nerve	adducts big toe
flexor digiti minimi brevis	fifth metatarsal bone	phalanx of fifth toe		lateral plantar nerve (superficial branch)	extends and adducts fifth toe

Fourth layer

Muscle Name	Origin	Insertion	Artery	Nerve	Action
plantar interossei	tendons of plantar Interossei	proximal phalanges III-V – muscles cross the metatarsophalangeal joint of toes III-V so the insertions correspond with the origin and there is no crossing between toes	plantar arch, dorsal metatarsal artery	lateral plantar nerve	adducts toes 3 – 5, strengthens transverse arch
dorsal interossei	metatarsals	proximal phalanges		lateral plantar nerve	abducts toes