This Chart is Under Construction, our goal is to include muscles that control the elbow, wrist and hand: Last Updated 11/14/17
Note: We have had multiple requests to complete the muscle charts. We will focus our energy on completing this project in the first quarter of next year. Thank you for your patients.
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Anterior Deltoid is highlighted in green, Pectoralis Major Claviclur Head is highlited in orange, Coracobrachialis is highlighted in yellow, and Biceps Brachii Short Head is highlighted in lavender.
The muscle chart upper extremity is intentionally organized into groups of action that act upon a joint. Click the name of the muscle and an image of the muscle will open in a new window. Study the information and use the unlabeled image from the University of Michigan like a flash card to reinforce your learning. Muscle fibers or cells are contractile and when voluntary or striated skeletal muscle is stimulated by the conscious desire to move around within our environment a contraction will takes place. A signal is sent from our central nervous system to the muscle fiber and muscle groups responsible for moving the joint. Actual locomotion of the body takes place at a joint. A kinetic chain or serious of movements via specific joints is necessary to produce full body movements. If you are at the beginning of your study of the skeletal muscles, we suggest that you take a look at our page on how skeletal muscles are named. In addition it may helpful to follow along with our collection of educational videos on each muscle and muscle groups on the upper extremity.
Flexors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Extensors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Prime mover of flexion of the humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral). Action anterior deltoid flexion of the humerus at the shoulder, medial rotation of humerus and horizontal adduction of humerus. Action middle deltoid abduction of humerus to 90 degrees. Action posterior deltoid extension, horizontal abduction, lateral rotation of humerus. The Deltoid forms the rounded muscle that covers the top of the shoulder joint. Nerve to muscle and spinal segments are axillary nerve Circumflex roots C5-C6. |
O. Lateral Third of Clavicle O. Lateral acromion O. Spine of the Scapula |
I. Deltoid Tuberosity I. Deltoid Tuberosity I. Deltoid Tuberosity |
(Clavicular Head) Synergist Flexion of Humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral). Action Pectoralis Major is adduction, horizontal adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus. Clavicular Head: weak Flexor of the humerus and medial rotation of the humerus at the joint. Sternal Head: extension of humerus from a flexed position and medial rotation of the humerus at the joint. The Pectoralis Major forms the anterior wall of the axilla. Nerve to muscle and spinal segments clavicular head lateral pectoral nerve roots C5-C7. Nerve to muscle and spinal segments sternal head medial pectoral nerve roots C8 and T1. |
O. Clavicular Head: Medical Half of the clavicle O. Sternal Head: Sternum and cartilage of upper 6 ribs. |
I. Lateral Lip of the (Intertubercular) or Bicipital grove of the Humerus |
Synergist Flexion of Humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral). Action flexion and adduction of the humerus at the shoulder joint. The coracobrachials is named for its origin and insertion. Nerve to muscle and spinal segments musculocutaneous nerve roots C5-C7. |
O. Coracoid Process Of Scapula |
I. Middle 1/3 of medial Surface of humeral Shaft |
(short head) Action short head flexion of humerus. Short & long head flexion of elbow and supination of forearm. Biceps means two heads and brachium is Latin for arm. The long head passes thru the capsule of the joint and travels along the bicipital or intertubercular grove. The short head originates on the coracoid process along with the origin of coracobrachialis and the insertion of pectoralis minor. Nerve to muscle and spinal segments musculocutaneous nerve roots C5-C6. |
O. Short head: Coracoid Process of Scapula Long head: Supraglenoid Tubercle of Scapula |
I. Tuberosity of Radius and Bicipital Aponeurosis |
Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the educational information provided within the muscle chart upper extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this material and recommends that the original text be consulted.
To Test Your Knowledge of the shoulder Flexors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials
![]() Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Triceps Brachii is shown in organge, Teres Major is shown in yellow, Latissimus dorsi is shown in light green, Teres minor is shown in green, Infraspinatus is shown in blue, and a section of Posterior Deltoid is shown in purple. |
![]() Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Latissimus dorsi is shown in light green, Posterior Deltoid is shown in orange, Teres Major is shown in blue and Infraspinatus is shown in yellow. |
Extensor of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Flexors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Prime mover of extension of the humerus.
Action latissimus dorsi extension, medial rotation and adduction of the humerus
This muscle is named for its size and location. Latissimus refers to wide and dorsi refers to back. It is a strong extensor of a flexed humerus in activities such as swimming, or chopping wood with an ax.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments thoracodorsal nerve and roots C7-C8.
O. Thoracolumbar aponeurosis lower 6 thoracic spinous processes Sacrum and iliac crest, lower 3 to 4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula
I. Bicipital Groove of the
Humerus
Synergist in extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action teres minor extension, medial rotation and adduction of humerus
Teres major inserts next to latissimus dorsi and has the same actions. Together with infraspinatus this muscle pulls downward on the joint to stabiliaze the head of the humerus during abduction.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Lower subscapular nerve roots C5-C6.
O. Inferior angle of scapula (dorsal surface), lower third of axillary boarder of scapula
I. Medial lip of bicipital
groove of humerus
Synergist in extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action posterior deltoid extension, horizontal abduction, lateral rotation of humerus.
The Deltoid forms the rounded muscle that covers the top of the shoulder joint.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments are axillary nerve Circumflex roots C5-C6.
O. Spine of the Scapula
I. Deltoid Tuberosity
Synergist in extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action lateral rotation and extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Infraspinatus muscle is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and supscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Suprascapular nerve C5-C6.
O. Infraspinous Process
Of Scapula
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (Middle Facet)
Synergist extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint Action lateral rotation and extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint Teres minor is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. Nerve to muscle and spinal roots Axillary (circumflex) nerve C5-C6. |
O. Upper two thirds of Axillary Boarder of Scapula |
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (inferior facet) |
(long head)
Synergist extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action extension of the elbow and long head extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Triceps refers to three as in the three heads of the muscle. It is important to point out that the long head of the triceps brachii originates on the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula while the long head of the biceps brachii originates on the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Radial nerve C7-C8.
O. Long Head: Infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula
Lateral Head: Posterior humerus above the spiral groove
Middle Head: Posterior humerus below the spiral groove
I. Olecranon process of
the ulna
(sternal head)
Sternal Head Synergist extension of humerus from a flexed position.
Action Pectoralis Major is flexion, adduction, horizontal adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus.
The Pectoralis Major forms the anterior wall of the axilla.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments clavicular head lateral pectoral nerve roots C5-C7.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments sternal head medial pectoral nerve roots C8 and T1.
O.ClavicularHead: Medical Half of the clavicle
O. Sternal Head: Sternum and cartilage of upper 6 ribs.
I. Lateral Lip of the (Intertubercular) or Bicipital grove of the Humerus
Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the educational information provided within the muscle chart upper extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this material and recommends that the original text be consulted.
To Test Your Knowledge of the shoulder Extensors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials
![]() Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Middle Deltoid is highlighted in lime green. |
![]() Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Supraspinatus is highlighted in orange. |
Abductors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Adductors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Prime Mover of Abduction of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint
Action Initiates Abduction, because of its angle of pull requires middle deltoid to complete the action. Provides for stabilization of the head of the humerus during other joint motions.
Supraspinatus is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments suprascapular nerve spinal roots C5-C6.
O. Supraspinous fossa of scapula
I. Greater tubercle of humerus (superior facet)
Prime Mover of Abduction of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint
Action abduction of the humerus to 90 degrees
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Axillary nerve spinal roots C5 - C6.
O. Lateral Acromion
I. Deltoid Tuberosity of the Humerus
Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the
educational information provided within the muscle chart upper
extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this
material and recommends that the original text be consulted.
To Test Your Knowledge of the shoulder Abductors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Pectoralis Major is highlighted in deep orange and Coracobrachialis is highlighted in orange.
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Latissimus Dorsi is highlighted in deep orange and Teres Major is highlighted in orange.
Adductors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Abductors of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
(sternal Head)
Prime Mover Adduction of Humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral).
Action Pectoralis Major is adduction, horizontal adduction, medial rotation, and flexion of the humerus.
Clavicular Head: Flexion of the humerus
Sternal Head: adduction & extension of humerus from a flexed position.
The Pectoralis Major forms the anterior wall of the axilla.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments clavicular head lateral pectoral nerve roots C5-C7.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments sternal head medial pectoral nerve roots C8 and T1.
O. ClavicularHead: Medical Half of the clavicle
O. Sternal Head: Sternum and cartilage of upper 6 ribs.
I. Lateral Lip of the (Intertubercular) or Bicipital grove of the Humerus
Prime mover of adduction of the humerus.
Action latissimus dorsi adductoin, medial rotation and extension of the humerus
This muscle is named for its size and location. Latissimus refers to wide and dorsi refers to back. It is a strong extensor of a flexed humerus in activities such as swimming, or chopping wood with an ax.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments thoracodorsal nerve and roots C7-C8.
O. Thoracolumbar aponeurosis lower 6 thoracic spinous processes Sacrum and iliac crest, lower 3 to 4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula
I. Bicipital Groove of the Humerus
Synergist in adduction of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action Teres Major
adduction, medial rotation and extension of humerus
Teres major inserts next to latissimus dorsi and has the same actions. Together with infraspinatus this muscle pulls downward on the joint to stabilize the head of the humerus during abduction.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Lower subscapular nerve roots C5-C6.
O. Inferior angle of scapula (dorsal surface), lower third of axillary boarder of scapula
I. Medial lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Synergist Adduction of Humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral).
Action flexion and adduction of the humerus at the shoulder joint.
The coracobrachials is named for its origin and insertion.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments musculocutaneous nerve roots C5-C7.
O. Coracoid Process Of Scapula
I. Middle 1/3 of medial Surface of humeral Shaft
Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the educational information provided within the muscle chart upper extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this material and recommends that the original text be consulted.
To Test Your Knowledge of the shoulder Adductors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: cut away of Posterior Deltoid highlighted in yellow, Infraspinatus highlighted in lime green and Teres Minor highlighted in orange.
Lateral (Exteranal) Rotators of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Medial (Internal) Rotators of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action lateral rotation and extension of the husmerus at the shoulder joint
Infraspinatus muscle is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and supscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Suprascapular nerve C5-C6.
O. Infraspinous Process Of Scapula
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (Middle Facet)
Synergist Lateral (External) Rotation the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action lateral rotation and extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Teres minor is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S. I. t. S muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal roots Axillary (circumflex) nerve C5-C6.
O. Upper two thirds of Axillary Boarder of Scapula
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (inferior facet)
Synergist in Lateral Rotation of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action posterior deltoid extension, horizontal abduction, lateral rotation of humerus.
The Deltoid forms the rounded muscle that covers the top of the shoulder joint.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments are axillary nerve Circumflex roots C5-C6.
O. Spine of the Scapula
I. Deltoid Tuberosity
Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the educational information provided within the muscle chart upper extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this material and recommends that the original text be consulted.
To Test Your Knowledge of the Lateral Rotators of the Shoulder go to
Get Body Smart Tutorials
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Sternal head of Pectoralis Major is highlighted in lavender, Clavicular head of Pectoralis Major is highlighted in purple, Anterior Deltoid is highlighted in Pink, Latissimus Dorsi is highlighted in yellow, Teres Major is highlighted in lime green, and Subscapularis is highlighted in orange.
Medial (internal) Rotators of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Antagonists are Lateral (External) Rotators of the Humerus at the Shoulder Joint
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Medial Rotation of the humerus at the shoulder joint.
Subscapularis assists in various shoulder actions, depending on the position of the humerus.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segment Upper and Lower Subscapular nerve segments C5 - C6
O. Subscapular Fossa
I. Lesser Tubercle
Synergist of medial or external rotation of the humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral).
Action anterior deltoid flexion of the humerus at the shoulder, medial rotation of humerus and horizontal adduction of humerus.
The Deltoid forms the rounded muscle that covers the top of the shoulder joint.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments are axillary nerve Circumflex roots C5-C6.
O. Lateral Third of Clavicle
I. Deltoid Tuberosity
Synergist Medial (Internal) Rotation of Humerus at the shoulder Joint (Glenohumeral).
Action Pectoralis Major is adduction, horizontal adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus.
Clavicular Head: weak Flexor of the humerus and medial rotation of the humerus at the joint.
Sternal Head: extension of humerus from a flexed position and medial rotation of the humerus at the joint.
The Pectoralis Major forms the anterior wall of the axilla.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments clavicular head lateral pectoral nerve roots C5-C7.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments sternal head medial pectoral nerve roots C8 and T1.
O. Clavicular Head: Medical Half of the clavicle
O. Sternal Head: Sternum and cartilage of upper 6 ribs.
I. Lateral Lip of the (Intertubercular) or Bicipital grove of the Humerus
Synergist of Medial (Internal) Rotation of the humerus.
Action latissimus dorsi adductoin, medial rotation and extension of the humerus
This muscle is named for its size and location. Latissimus refers to wide and dorsi refers to back. It is a strong extensor of a flexed humerus in activities such as swimming, or chopping wood with an ax.
Nerveto muscle and spinal segments thoracodorsal nerve and roots C7-C8.
O. Thoracolumbar aponeurosis lower 6 thoracic spinous processes Sacrum and iliac crest, lower 3 to 4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula
I. Bicipital Groove of the Humerus
Synergist in Medial (Internal) Rotation of the humerus at the shoulder joint
Action Teres Major extension, medial rotation and adduction of humerus
Teres major inserts next to latissimus dorsi and has the same actions. Together with infraspinatus this muscle pulls downward on the joint to stabiliaze the head of the humerus during abduction.
Nerveto muscle and spinal segments Lower subscapular nerve roots C5-C6.
O. Inferior angle of scapula (dorsal surface), lower third of axillary boarder of scapula
I. Medial lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Supraspinatus the first S. in S.I.T.S. is highlighted in orange, Infraspinatus the I. in S.I.T.S. is highlighted in pink and Teres Minor the T. in S.I.T.S. is highlighted in lime green.
Gray's Anatomy Image Plate: Subscapularis the second S. in S.I.T.S. is highlighted in deep orange.
Muscles that form the Rotator Cuff
These muscles are Commonly referred to as the S.I.T.S. muscles and form a cuff around the head of the humerus.
All four muscles of the
cuff originate on the scapula and act together to centralize the head of
the humerus in the glenoid fossa (socket) of the scapula at the Glenohumeral Joint (Shoulder Joint).
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Prime Mover and Initiates Abduction, because of its angle of pull requires middle deltoid to complete the action. Provides for stabilization of the head of the humerus during other joint motions.
Supraspinatus is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments suprascapular nerve spinal roots C5-C6.
O. Supraspinous fossa of scapula
I. Greater tubercle of humerus (superior facet)
Action lateral rotation and extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint. Centers the head of the humerus in the socket.
Infraspinatus muscle is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S.I.T.S. muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and supscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Suprascapular nerve C5-C6.
O. Infraspinous Process Of Scapula
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (Middle Facet)
Action lateral rotation and extension of the humerus at the shoulder joint. Centers the head of the humerus in the socket.
Teres minor is a member of a group of muscles that form a cuff around the head of the humerus and are referred to as the rotator cuff muscles. The S. I. t. S muscles of the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Nerve to muscle and spinal roots Axillary (circumflex) nerve C5-C6.
O. Upper two thirds of Axillary Boarder of Scapula
I. Greater Tubercle of Humerus (inferior facet)
Action Medial Rotation of the humerus at the shoulder joint.
Subscapularis assists in various shoulder actions, depending on the position of the humerus. Centers the head of the humerus in the socket.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segment Upper and Lower Subscapular nerve segments C5 - C6
O. Subscapular Fossa
I. Lesser Tubercle
Gray's Anatomy Plate: Levator Scapula is highlighted in orange, Upper Trapezius is highlighted in yellow and Middle Trapezius is highlighted in deep orange
Gray's Anatomy Plate: Levator Scapula is highlighted in orange and Upper Trapezius is highlighted in yellow
Elevators of the Scapula
Antagonists are Depressors of the Scapula
Muscle, Action, & Nerve |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Levator Scapula
elevates the scapula
Levator scapula is an L-evator of the scapula and together with upper trapezius will shrug the shoulders.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segments dorsal scapular nerve (C5); the upper part of the muscle receives branches of C3 & C4.
o. transverse processes of C1-C4 vertebrae
I. medial border of the scapula from the superior angle to the spine
Action elevates and depresses the scapula (depending on which part of the muscle contracts); rotates the scapula superiorly; retracts scapula
Upper: elevation and upper rotation of the scapula
Middle: Retracts the scapula
Lower: depression and upward rotation of scapula
This is a triangular shaped muscle, when paired forms a trapezium.
Nerve to muscle and spinal segmentd Accessory nerve (Cranial nerve XI) and branches of C3 -C4.
O. medial third of the superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T12
I. Upper: lateral third of the clavicle, medial side of the acromion
Middle: the upper crest of the scapular spine
Lower: tubercle of the scapular spine
Gray's Anatomy Plate: Pectoralis Major is highlighted in yellow
Gray's Anatomy Plate: Lower Trapezius is highlighted in orange
Depressors of the Scapula
Antagonists are Elevators of the Scapula
References & Resources for the muscle anatomy information:
Sieg and Adams: "Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy", 4th edition, 2002, Megabooks Inc,
Muscolino J E: The Muscular System Manual, The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body, ed 3, 2009,
Elsevier/Mosby.
University of Michigan Medical School: Muscle Tables & Illustrations
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