Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

Spring 2025 • 53

are to medially rotate, extend and adduct the glenohumeral joint. 38 Bicep Brachii The biceps brachii is a muscle with two heads located on the anterior aspect of the upper arm. It is a prominent muscle that plays a key role in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm or proximal and distal radioulnar joints. The long head of this muscle attaches to the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, and the short head attaches to the coracoid process of the scapula. The biceps brachii inserts onto the radial tuberosity and the bicipital aponeurosis. The main actions of this muscle are to flex the elbow joint and supinate the radioulnar joints. It can also help with flexion of the glenohumeral joint. 39 Triceps Brachii The triceps brachii, commonly known as the triceps, is a three-headed muscle located in the posterior area of the upper arm. The first head of the muscle is on the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula and the second head is on the posterior surface of the proximal half of the humerus. The third is on the posterior surface of the distal half of the humerus. The main function of the triceps brachii is to extend the elbow, but it can also aid with extension and adduction of the glenohumeral joint. 40 Brachialis The brachialis is a muscle located deep to the biceps brachii muscle in the upper arm. This muscle attaches from the distal half of the anterior shaft of the humerus to the ulnar tuberosity and the coronoid process of the ulna. Its action is to

The functions of this muscle are to flex the elbow joint and assist with pronation and supination of the radioulnar joints. 42 Supinator The supinator is a muscle located in the proximal forearm. This muscle originates on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, supinator crest of the ulna, annular ligament and radial collateral ligament. It inserts on the lateral, anterior shaft of the proximal one-third of the radius. Its action is to rotate the radius laterally at the proximal radioulnar joint, creating supination of the forearm. 43 Pronator Teres The pronator teres is a muscle located in the proximal forearm. It begins on the coronoid process of the ulna and the common flexor tendon, which begins on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It inserts on the lateral radial shaft. The action of the pronator teres is to pronate the radioulnar joints, and it can assist with flexion of the elbow. 44 Pronator Quadratus The pronator quadratus is a four-sided muscle located in the distal forearm. This muscle originates on the anterior and medial aspect of the distal ulna, and it inserts on to the anterior and lateral aspect of the radius. When this muscle contracts, pronation of the Peripheral nerves are a fundamental part of the nervous system that extend outward from the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. These nerves connect to various parts of the body, linking the CNS to muscles, organs and sensory receptors. Peripheral nerves communicate sensory information from the body to the CNS using afferent pathways, and relay motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands using efferent pathways. radioulnar joints is produced. 45 Peripheral Nerves of the Upper Extremity

flex the elbow joint. 41 Brachioradialis

The brachioradialis muscle is located on the lateral forearm area and can help with movement of the elbow and radioulnar joints. It originates on the proximal two-thirds of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and inserts on to the styloid process of the radius.

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