HEAD AND NECK

Openings in the Base of the Skull and the Structures that pass through them
Opening in the Skull
Anterior Cranial Fossa
Perforations in cribriform plate
Middle Cranial Fossa
Optic canal
Superior orbital fissure

Bone of Skull

Structure Transmitted

Ethmoid

Olfactory nerves

Lesser wing of sphenoid

Between lesser and greater wings
of sphenoid

Foramen rotundum

Greater wing of sphenoid

Foramen ovale

Greater wing of sphenoid

Foramen spinosum
Foramen lacerum

Greater wing of sphenoid

Between petrous part of temporal
and sphenoid

Optic nerve, ophthalmic artery

Lacrimal, frontal, reochlear,
oculomotor, nasociliary, and
abducent nerves; superior
ophthalmic vein
Maxillary division of the trigeminal
nerve
Mandibular division of the
trigeminal nerve; lesser petrosal
nerve
Middle meningeal artery
Internal carotid artery

Posterior Cranial Fossa

Foramen magnum

Occipital

Hypoglossal canal
Jugular foramen

Occipital
Between petrous part of temporal
and condylar part of occipital

Internal acoustic meatus

Petrous part of temporal

Medulla oblongata, spinal part of

accessory nerve, and right and
left vertebral arteries
Hypoglossal nerve
Glossopharyngeal, vagus, and
accessory nerves; sigmoid sinus
becomes internal jugular vein
Vestibulocochlear and facial nerves

Cranial Nerves
Nerve
I. Olfactory

Components
Sensory

Function
Smell

II. Optic
III. Oculomotor

Sensory
Motor

IV.

Motor

Vision
Lifts upper eyelid, turns eyeball
upward, downward, and medially;
constricts pupil; accommodates eye
Assists in turning eyeball
Superior orbital fissure
downward and laterally

V.

Trochlear

Trigeminal
Ophthalmic division Sensory

Maxillary division Sensory

Mandibular division Motor

Sensory

Cornea, skin of forehead, scalp,

eyelids, and nose; also mucous
membrane of paranasal sinuses
and nasal cavity
Skin of face over maxilla and the
upper lip; teeth of upper jaw;
mucous membrane of nose, the
maxillary air sinus, and palate
Muscles of mastication, mylohyoid,
anterior belly of digastric, tensor
veli palatine, and tensor tympani
Skin of cheek, skin over mandible,
lower lip, and side of head; teeth
of lower jaw and
temporomandibular joint; mucous

Opening in Skull
Openings in cribriform
plate of ethmoid
Optic canal
Superior orbital fissure

Superior orbital fissure

Foramen rotundum

Foramen ovale

VI. Abducent
VII. Facial

Motor
Motor

Sensory
Secretomotor
parasympathetic
Vestibulocochlear
Vestibular Sensory
Cochlear Sensory
IX. Glossopharyngeal
Motor

membrane of mouth and anterior

2/3 of tongue
Lateral rectus muscle: turns
eyeball laterally
Muscles of face, cheek, and scalp;
stapedius muscle of middle ear;
stylohyoid; and posterior belly of
digastrics
Taste from anterior 2/3 of
tongue, floor of mouth, and
palate
Submandibular and sublingual
salivary glands, lacrimal gland, ad
glands of nose and palate

Superior orbital fissure

Internal aucostic meatus;
facial canal; stylomastoid
foramen

VIII.

Secretomotor
parasympathetic
Sensory

X. Vagus

Motor

Sensory
XI.

Accessory
Cranial root Motor
Spinal root Motor

XII. Hypoglossal

Motor

Position and movement of head

Hearing
Stylopharyngeus muscle: assists
swallowing
Parotid salivary gland
General sensation and taste from
posterior third of tongue and
pharynx; carotid sinus and carotid
body
Constrictor muscles of pharynx
and intrinsic muscles of larynx;
involuntary muscle of trachea and
bronchi, heart, alimentary tract
from pharynx to splenic flexure
of colon; liver and pancreas
Taste from epiglottis and
vallecula and afferent fibers from
structures named above
Muscles of soft palate, pharynx,
and larynx
Sternocleidomsatoid and trapezius
muscles
Muscles of tongue controlling its
shape and movement (except
palatoglossus)

Internal acoustic meatus

Jugular foramen

Jugular foramen

Jugular foramen

Hypoglossal canal

Muscle of the Eyeball and Eyelids

Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Extrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Straited Skleletal Muscles)
Superior rectus
Tendinous ring on Superior surface
posterior wall of
of eyeball just
orbital cavity
posterior to
corneoscleral
junction
Inferior rectus
Tendinous ring on Inferior surface of
posterior wall of
eyeball just
orbital cavity
posterior to
corneoscleral
junction
Medial rectus
Tendinous ring on Medial surface of
posterior wall of
eyeball just

Nerve Supply

Action

Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)

Raises cornea upward

and medially

Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)

Depresses cornea
downward and medially

Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)

Rotates eyeball so that

cornea looks medially

orbital cavity

posterior to
corneoscleral
junction
Lateral rectus
Tendinous ring on Lateral surface of
posterior wall of
eyeball just
orbital cavity
posterior to
corneoscleral
junction
Superior oblique
Posterior wall of
Passes through
orbital cavity
pully and is
attached to
superior surface of
eyeball beneath
superior rectus
Inferior oblique
Floor of orbital
Lateral surface of
cavity
eyeball deep to
lateral rectus
Intrinsic Muscles of Eyeball (Smooth Muscles)
Sphincter papillae
of iris

Abducent nerve
(6th cranial nerve)

Rotates eyeball so that

cornea looks laterally

Trochlear nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)

Rotates eyeball so that

cornea looks downward
and laterally

Oculomotor nerve
(3rd cranial nerve)

Rotates eyeball so that

cornea looks upward and
laterally

Parasympathetic
via oculomotor
nerve
Sympathetic

Constricts pupil

Parasympathetic
via oculomotor
nerve

Controls shape of lens; in

accommodation, makes
lens more globular

Straited muscle
oculomotor nerve;
smooth muscle
sympathetic

Raises upper lid

Action
Dampens down vibrations
of tympanic membrane

Neck of stapes

Nerve Supply
Mandibular
division of
trigeminal nerve
Facial nerve

Insertion

Nerve Supply

Action

Epicranial
aponeurosis

Facial nerve

Moves scalp on skull and

raises eyebrows

Lateral palpebral
raphe

Facial nerve

Closes eyelids and dilates

lacrimal sac

Dilator papillae of
iris
Ciliary muscle
Muscles of Eyelids
Orbicularis oculi
Levator palpebrae
superioris

See Muscles of the Head

Back of orbital
Anterior surface
cavity
and upper margin
of superior tarsal
plate

Dilates pupil

Muscles of the Middle Ear

Muscle
Tensor tympani
Stapedius

Origin
Wall of auditory
tube and wall of
its own canal
Pyramid (bony
projection on
posterior wall of
middle ear)

Insertion
Handle of malleus

Dampens down vibrations

of stapes

Muscles of the Head

Muscle
Muscle of Scalp
Occipitofrontalis
Occipital belly

Origin

Highest nuchal
line of occipital
bone
Skin and
Frontal belly
superficial fascia
of eyebrows
Muscles of Facial Expression
Orbicularis oculi
Palpebral part Medial palpebral
ligament

 Orbital part
Corrugator
supercilii
Compressor nasi
Dilator naris
Procerus

Medial palpebral
ligament and
adjoining bone
Superciliary arch

Loops return to
origin

Facial nerve

Skin of eyebrow

Facial nerve

Frontal process
of maxilla
Maxilla
Nasal bone

Aponeurosis of
bridge of nose
Ala ofnose
Skin between
eyebrows
Encircles oral
orifice

Facial nerve

Orbicularis oris

Maxilla; mandible;
skin
Dilator Muscles of Lips
Levator labii
Arise from bones and fascia around
superioris alaeque oral aperture and insert into substance
nasi
of lips
Levator labii
superioris
Zygomaticus
minor
Zygomaticus
major
Levator anguli
oris
Risorius
Depressor anguli
oris
Depressor labii
inferioris
Mentalis
Buccinator
Outer surfaces of
alveolar margins
of maxilla and
mandible and
pterydomandibular
ligament
Platysma
See Muscles of the Neck
Muscles of Matication
Masseter
Zygomatic arch
Lateral surface
ramus of mandible
Temporalis

Pterygoid
Lateral head
Medial head

Floor of temporal
fossa

Greater wing of
sphenoid; lateral
pterygoid plate
Tuberosity of
maxilla; lateral
pterygoid plate

Coronoid process
of mandible

Neck of mandible
and articular disc
Medial surface of
angle of mandible

Facial nerve
Facial nerve

Throws skin around orbit

into folds to protect
eyeball
Vertical wrinkles of
forehead (frowning)
Compresses mobile nasal
cartilages
Widens nasal aperture
Wrinkles skin of nose

Facial nerve

Compresses lips together

Facial nerve

Separate lips

Facial nerve

Compresses cheeks and

lips against teeth

Mandibular
division of
trigeminal nerve
Mandibular
division of
trigeminal nerve

Elevates mandible to
occlude teeth

Mandibular
division of
trigeminal nerve
Mandibular
division of
trigeminal nerve

Pulls neck of mandible

forward

Anterior & superior

fibers: elevate mandible;
Posterior fibers: retract
mandible

Elevates mandible

Muscles of the Neck

Muscle
Platysma

Origin
Deep fascia over
pectoralis major
and deltoid
Sternocleidomastoid Manubrium sterni
and medial third
of clavicle

Insertion
Body of mandible;
angle of mouth

Nerve Supply
Cervical branch
of facial nerve

Action
Depresses mandible;

Mastoid process of
temporal bone and
occipital bone

Spinal part of
accessory nerve;
C2-C3

Two muscles acting

together: extend head;
flex neck;
One muscle: rotates head
to opposite side

Intermediate
tendon is held to
hold by fascial
sling
Body of hyoid
bone
Body of hyoid
bone; fibrous
raphe
Body of hyoid
bone
Body of hyoid
bone
Oblique line on
lamina of thyroid
cartilage
Lower border of
body of hyoid
bone

Facial nerve

Depresses mandible;
elevates hyoid bone

1st cervical nerve

Depresses hyoid bone;

elevates larynx

Upper margin of
scapula;
suprascapular
ligament
Lower border of
body of hyoid
bone
Transverse
processes of C3C6

Intermediate
tendon is held to
clavicle and first
rib by fascial sling

Ansa cervicalis;
C1-C3

Depresses hyoid bone

1st rib

C4, 5, and 6

Scalenus medius

Transverse
processes of C1C6

1st rib

Anterior rami of
cervical nerves

Scalenus posterior

Transverse
processes of
lower cervical
vertebrae

2nd rib

Anterior rami of
cervical nerves

Elevates 1st rib; laterally

flexes and rotates
cervical part of vertebral
column
Elevates 1st rib; laterally
flexes and rotates
cervical part of vertebral
column
Elevates 2ndt rib; laterally
flexes and rotates
cervical part of vertebral
column

Origin

Insertion

Nerve Supply

Action

Median septum
and submucosa

Mucous membrane

Hypoglossal nerve

Alters shape of tongue

Digastric
Posterior belly
Anterior belly

Mastoid process
of temporal bone
Body of mandible

Stylohyoid

Styloid process

Mylohyoid

Mylohyoid line of
body of mandible

Geniohyoid

Inferior mental
spine of mandible
Manubrium sterni;
clavicle
Manubrium sterni

Sternohyoid
Sternothyroid
Thyrohyoid
Omohyoid
Inferior belly

Superior belly
Scalenus anterior

Oblique line of
lamina of thyroid
cartilage

Nerve to
mylohyoid
Facial nerve
Inferior alveolar
nerve
1st cervical nerve
Ansa cervicalis;
C1-C3
Ansa cervicalis;
C1-C3

Elevates hyoid bone

Elevates floor of mouth
and hyoid bone; depresses
mandible
Elevates hyoid bone;
depresses mandible
Depresses hyoid bone
Depresses larynx

Muscles of Tongue
Muscle
Intrinsic Muscles
Longitudinal
Transverse
Vertical

Extrinsic Muscles
Genioglossus
Hyoglossus
Styloglossus
Palatoglossus

Superior genial
spine of mandible
Body and greater
cornu of hyoid
bone
Styloid process of
temporal bone
Palatine
aponeurosis

Blends with other

muscles of tongue
Blends with other
muscles of tongue

Hypoglossal nerve

Blends with other

muscles of tongue
Side of tongue

Hypoglossal nerve

Insertion
With muscle of
other side, forms
palatine
aponeurosis
Palatine
aponeurosis

Nerve Supply
Nerve to medial
pterygoid from
mandibular nerve

Action
Tenses soft palate

Pharyngeal plexus

Raises soft palate

Side of tongue

Pharyngeal plexus

Pulls root of tongue

upward and backward;
narrows oropharyngeal
isthmus
Elevates wall of pharynx;
pulls palatopharyngeal
folds medially
Elevates uvula

Hypoglossal nerve

Pharyngeal plexus

Protrudes apex of tongue

through mouth
Depresses tongue
Draws tongue upward
and backward
Pulls roots of tongue
upward and backward;
narrows oropharyngeal
isthmus

Muscles of the Soft Palate

Muscle
Tensor veli
palatini

Origin
Spine of sphenoid;
auditory tube

Levator veli
palatini

Petrous part of
temporal bone;
auditory tube
Palatine
aponeurosis

Palatoglossus

Palatopharyngeus

Palatine
aponeurosis

Posterior border of
thyroid cartilage

Pharyngeal plexus

Musculus uvulae

Posterior border
of hard palate

Mucous membrane
of uvula

Pharyngeal plexus

Insertion
Pharyngeal
tubercle of
occipital bone;
raphe in midline
posteriorly

Nerve Supply
Pharyngeal plexus

Action
Aids soft palate in
closing off nasal
pharynx; propels bolus
downward

Pharyngeal raphe

Pharyngeal plexus

Propels bolus downward

Pharyngeal raphe

Pharyngeal plexus

Propels bolus downward

Muscles of the Pharynx

Muscle
Superior
constrictor

Middle constrictor

Inferior constrictor
Cricopharyngeus
Stylopharyngeus

Origin
Medial pterygoid
plate; pterygoid
hamulus;
pterygomandibular
ligament;
mylohyoid line of
mandible
Lower part of
stylohyoid
ligament; lesser
and greater
cornu of hyoid
bone
Lamina of thyroid
cartilage; cricoid
cartilage
Lowest fibers of
inferior
constrictor muscle
Styloid process of
temporal bone

Salpingopharyngeus Auditory tube

Sphincter at lower end

of pharynx
Posterior border
of thyroid
cartilage
Blends with

Glossopharyngeal
nerve

Elevates larynx during

swallowing

Pharyngeal plexus

Elevates pharynx

Palatopharyngeus

Palatine
aponeurosis

palatopharyngeus
Posterior border
of thyroid
cartilage

Pharyngeal plexus

Elevates wall of pharynx;

pulls palatopharyngeal
arch medially

UPPER EXTREMITIES
Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Thoracic Wall
Muscle
Pectoralis Major

Origin
Clavicle; sternum;
upper 6 costal
cartilages

Nerve Supply
Medial and lateral
pectoral nerves

Action
Adducts and medially
rotates arm; clavicular
fibers: flex arm

3rd, 4th, and 5th

ribs

Insertion
Lateral lip of
bicipital groove of
humerus
(bicipital
intertubercular)
Coracoid process
of scapula

Pectoralis Minori

Medial pectoral
nerve

Subclavius

1st costal cartilage

Clavicle

Subclavial nerve

Serratus Anterior
(Boxers muscle)

Upper 8 ribs

Medial border and

inferior angle of
scapula

Long thoracic
nerve

Depresses point of
shoulder; if the scapula is
fixed, elevates ribs of
origin
Depresses clavicle;
steadies clavicle during
movements of shoulder
girdle
Draws the forward
anterior around the
thoracic wall; rotates
scapula

Muscles Connecting the Upper Limb to the Vertebral Column

Muscle
Trapezius

Latissimus dorsi

Levator scapulae
Rhomboid minor
Rhomboid major

Origin
Occipital bone;
ligamentum
nuchae; spine of
C7 and T1-T12
Iliac crest; lumbar
fascia; spines of
T7-T12; lower 3
or 4 ribs; inferior
angle of scapula
Transverse
processes of C1C4
Ligamentum
nuchae; spines of
C7 and T1
Spines of T2-T5

Insertion
Upper fibers of
the lateral third
of clavicle; middle
and lower fibers
into acromion;
spine of scapula
Floor of bicipital
groove of
humerus

Nerve Supply
Spinal part of
accessory nerve
(motor)

Medial border of
scapula
Medial border of
scapula

C3 and C4;
Dorsal scapular
nerve
Dorsal scapular
nerve

Medial border of
scapula

Dorsal scapular
nerve

C3 and C4
(sensory)
Thoracodorsal
nerve

Action
Upper fibers: elevate the
scapula;
Middle fibers: pull scapula
medially; Lower fibers:
pull medial border of
scapula downward
Extends, adducts and
medially rotates arm

Raises medial border of

scapula
Raises medial border of
scapula upward and
medially
Raises medial border of
scapula upward and
medially

Muscles Connecting the Scapula to the Humerus

Muscle
Deltoids

Origin
Lateral third of
clavicle; acromion;
spine of scapula

Supraspinatus
(Rotator cuff)

Supraspinous
fossa of scapula

Insertion
Middle of lateral
surface of shaft
of humerus
(Deltoid
tuberosity)
Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint

Nerve Supply
Axillary nerve

Suprascapular
nerve

Action
Abducts arm;
Anterior fibers: flex and
medially rotate arm;
Posterior fibers: extend
and laterally rotate arm
Abducts arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint

Infraspinatus
(Rotator cuff)

Infraspinous fossa
of scapula

Teres major

Lower third of
lateral border of
scapula
Upper 2/3 of
lateral border of
scapula

Teres minor
(Rotator cuff)
Subscapularis
(Rotator cuff)

Subscapular fossa

Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint
Medial lip of
bicipital groove of
humerus
Greater tuberosity
of humerus;
capsule of
shoulder joint
Lesser tuberosity
of humerus

Suprascapular
nerve

Laterally rotates arm and

stabilizes shoulder joint

Lower subscapular
nerve

Medially rotates and

adducts arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint
Laterally rotates arm and
stabilizes shoulder joint

Upper and lower

subscapular
nerves

Medially rotates arm and

stabilizes shoulder joint

Insertion

Nerve Supply

Action

Radial tuberosity;
Bicipital
aponeurosis into
deep fascia of
forearm
Medial aspect of
shaft of humerus
Coronoid process
of ulna

Musculocutaneous
nerve

Supinator of forearm;
flexor of elbow joint;
weal flexor of shoulder
joint

Musculocutaneous
nerve
Musculocutaneous
nerve

Flexor and weak

adductor of arm
Flexor of elbow joint

Olecranon process
of ulna

Radial nerve

Extensor of elbow joint

Axillary nerve

Muscles of the Arm

Muscle
Origin
ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT
Biceps brachii
Supraglenoid
Long head
tubercle of
scapula
Coracoid process
Short head
of scapula
Coracobrachialis
Coracoid process
of scapula
Brachialis
Front of lower
half of humerus
POSTERIOR COMPARTMENT
Triceps
Infraglenoid
Long head
tubercle of
scapula
Upper half of
Lateral head
posterior surface
of shaft of
humerus
Lower half of
Medial head
posterior surface
of shaft of
humerus

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

MUSCLE
ORIGIN
SUPERFICIAL LAYER
Pronator teres
Humeral head Medial epicondyle
of humerus
Medial border of
Ulnar head
coronoid process
of ulna
Flexor carpi
Medial epicondyle
radialis
of humerus
Palmaris longus

Medial epicondyle
of humerus

INSERTION

NERVE SUPPLY

ACTION

Lateral aspect of
shaft of radius

Median nerve

Pronation and flexion of

forearm

Bases of 2nd and

3rd metacarpal
bones
Flexor retinaculum
and palmar
aponeurosis

Median nerve

Flexes and abducts hand

at wrist joint

Median nerve

Flexes hand

Flexor carpi ulnaris

Humeral head Medial epicondyle
of humerus
Medial aspect of
Ulnar head
olecranon process
and posterior
INTERMEDIATE LAYER
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Medial epicondyle
Humeroulnar
of humerus;
head
medial border of
coronoid process
of ulna
Oblique line on
Radial head
anterior surface
of shaft of radius
DEEP LAYER
Flexor pollicis
Anterior surface
longus
of shaft of radius

Pisiform bone;
hook of hamate;
base of 5th
metacarpal bone

Ulnar bone

Flexes and adducts hand

at wrist joint

Middle phalanx of
medial 4 fingers

Median nerve

Flexes middle phalanx of

fingers; assists in flexing
proximal phalanx and
hand

Distal phalanx of
thumb

Deep branch of
median nerve
(Anterior
interosseous
nerve)
Ulnar (medial
half) and median
(lateral half)
nerves
Deep branch of
median nerve
(AIN)

Flexes distal phalanx of

thumb

Flexor digitorum
profundus

Anteromedial
surface of shaft
of ulna

Distal phalanges
of medial 4
fingers

Pronator
quadratus

Anterior surface
of shaft of ulna

Anterior surface
of shaft of radius

Flexes distal phalanx of

fingers; assists in flexion
of middle and proximal
phalanges and wrist
Pronates forearm

Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

MUSCLE
Brachioradialis
Extensor carpi
radialis longus

ORIGIN
Lateral
supracondylar
ridge of humerus
Lateral
supracondylar
ridge of humerus

INSERTION
Base of styloid
process of radius

NERVE SUPPLY
Radial nerve

Posterior surface
of base of 2nd
metacarpal bone

Radial nerve

ACTION
Flexes forearm at elbow
joint; rotates forearm to
the midprone position
Extends and abducts
hand at wrist joint
(Radial deviation)

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Forearm

MUSCLE
Extensor carpi
radialis brevis

ORIGIN
Lateral epicondyle
of humerus

Extensor digitorum Lateral epicondyle

of humerus

INSERTION
Posterior surface
of base of 3rd
metacarpal bone

Extensor digiti
minimi

Lateral epicondyle
of humerus

Extensor carpi
ulnaris

Lateral epicondyle
of humerus

Middle and distal

phalanges of
medial 4 fingers
Extensor
expansion of little
finger
Base of 5th
metacarpal bone

Anconeus

Lateral epicondyle
of humerus

Lateral surface
of olecranon

NERVE SUPPLY
Deep branch of
radial nerve
(Posterior
Interosseous
Nerve)
Deep branch of
radial nerve
(PIN)
Deep branch of
radial nerve
(PIN)
Deep branch of
radial nerve
(PIN)
Radial nerve

ACTION
Extends and abducts hand
at wrist joint

Extends fingers and hand

Extends metacarpal
phalangeal joint of little
finger
Extends and adducts hand
at wrist joint
Extends elbow joint

Supinator

process of ulna
Neck and shaft
of radius

Extensor pollicis
brevis

Lateral epicondyle
of humerus;
anular ligament of
proximal
radioulnar joint;
ulna
Posterior surface
of shafts of
radius and ulna
Posterior surface
of shaft of radius

Extensor pollicis
longus

Posterior surface
of shaft of ulna

Base of distal
phalanx of thumb

Extensor indicis

Posterior surface
of shaft of ulna

Extensor
expansion of
index finger

Abductor pollicis
longus

Base of 1st
metacarpal bone
Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb

Deep branch of
radial nerve
(PIN)

Supinator of forearm

Deep branch
radial nerve
(PIN)
Deep branch
radial nerve
(PIN)
Deep branch
radial nerve
(PIN)
Deep branch
radial nerve
(PIN)

of

Abducts and extends

thumb

of

Extends
metacarpophalangeal joints
of thumb
Extends distal phalanx of
thumb

of
of

Extends
metacarpophalangeal joint
of index finger

Small Muscles of the Hand

MUSCLE
Palmaris brevis

Lumbricals (4)

Interossei (8)
Palmar (4)

ORIGIN
Flexor
retinaculum;
palmar
aponeurosis
Tendons of flexor
digitorum
profundus

INSERTION
Skin of palm

NERVE SUPPLY
Superficial branch
of ulnar nerve

ACTION
Corrugates skin to
improve grip of palm

Extensor
expansion of
medial 4 fingers

1st and 2nd:

median nerve
3rd and 4th: deep
branch of ulnar
nerve

Flex metacarpophalangeal
joints and extend
interphalangeal joints of
fingers except thumb

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Adduct fingers toward

center of third finger; flex
metacarpophalangeal
joints; extend
interphalangeal joints

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Abduct fingers from

center of third finger; flex
metacarpophalangeal
joints; extend
interphalangeal joints

1st: arises from

base of 1st
metacarpal;
2nd-4th: arise
from anterior
surface of shafts
of 2nd, 4th, and
5th metacarpals
Contiguous sides
of shafts of
metacarpals bones

Proximal
phalanges of
thumb and index,
ring and little
fingers; dorsal
extensor
expansion of each
finger
Proximal
Dorsal (4)
phalanges of
index, middle, and
ring fingers;
dorsal extensor
expansion
SHORT MUSCLES OF THE THUMB (Thenar Muscles; pollicis
Abductor pollicis
Scaphoid;
Base of proximal
brevis
trapezium; flexor
phalanx of thumb
retinaculum
Flexor pollicis
Flexor
Base of proximal
brevis
retinaculum
phalanx of thumb
Opponens pollicis
Adductor pollicis
Oblique head

Flexor
retinaculum
2nd and 3rd
metacarpal bones

thumb)
Median nerve
Median nerve
Median nerve

Base of proximal
phalanx of thumb

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Abduction of thumb
Flexes
metacarpophalangeal joint
of thumb
Pulls thumb medially and
forward across palm
Adduction of thumb

3rd metacarpal
Transverse
bone
head
SHORT MUSCLES OF LITTLE FINGER (Hypothenar Muscles;
Abductor digiti
Pisiform bone
Base of proximal
minimi
phalanx of little
finger
Flexor digiti
Flexor
Base of proximal
minimi
retinaculum
phalanx of little
finger
Opponens digiti
Flexor
Medial border of
minimi
retinaculum
5th metacarpal
bone

digiti minimi 5th digit)

Deep branch of
Abducts little finger
ulnar nerve
Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Flexes little finger

Deep branch of
ulnar nerve

Pulls 5th metacarpal

forward as in cupping the
palm
(Pinky flexion)

LOWER EXTREMITIES
Muscles of the Gluteal Region
MUSCLE
Gluteus maximus

ORIGIN
Outer surface of
ilium; sacrum;
coccyx;
sacrotuberous
ligament
Outer surface of
ilium

INSERTION
Iliotibial tract;
gluteal tuberosity
of femur

NERVE SUPPLY
Inferior gluteal
nerve

ACTION
Extends and laterally
rotates hip joint; through
iliotibial tract, it extends
knee joint

Lateral surface of
greater trochanter
of femur

Superior gluteal
nerve

Gluteus minimus

Outer surface of
ilium

Superior gluteal
nerve

Tensor fasciae
latae
Piriformis

Iliac crest

Anterior surface
of greater
trochanter of
femur
Iliotibial tract

Abducts thigh at hip joint;

tilts pelvis when walking
to permit opposite leg to
clear ground
Abducts thigh at hip joint;
tilts pelvis when walking
to permit opposite leg to
clear ground
Assists gluteus maximus in
extending the knee joint
Lateral rotator of thigh at
hip joint

Obturator internus
Gemellus superior

Inner surface of
obturator
membrane
Spine of ischium

Gemellus inferior

Ischial tuberosity

Quadratus femoris

Lateral border of
ischial tuberosity

Gluteus medius

Anterior surface
of sacrum

Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Upper border of
greater trochanter
of femur
Quadrate tubercle
of femur

Superior gluteal
nerve
1st and 2nd
sacral nerves
Sacral plexus

Lateral rotator of thigh at

hip joint

Sacral plexus

Lateral rotator of thigh at

hip joint

Sacral plexus

Lateral rotator of thigh at

hip joint

Sacral plexus

Lateral rotator of thigh at

hip joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

MUSCLE
Sartorius

ORIGIN
Anterior superior
iliac spine

INSERTION
Upper medial
surface of shaft
of tibia

NERVE SUPPLY
Femoral nerve

Iliacus

Iliac fossa of hip

bone

With psoas into

lesser trochanter
of femur

Femoral nerve

Psoas

Transverse
processes, bodies,
and intervertebral
discs of T12-L5
Superior ramus
of pubis

With iliacus into

lesser trochanter
of femur

Lumbar plexus

Upper end of linea

aspera of shaft of
femur

Femoral nerve

Quadriceps tendon
into patella, then
via ligamentum
patellae into

Femoral nerve

Pectineus

Quadriceps femoris
Rectus femoris Straight head:
anterior inferior
iliac spine;
Reflected head:

ACTION
Flexes, abducts, laterally
rotates thigh at hip joint;
flexes and medially rotates
leg at knee joint
Flexes thigh on trunk; if
thigh is fixed, it flexes the
trunk on the thigh as in
sitting up from lying down
Flexes thigh on trunk; if
thigh is fixed, it flexes the
trunk on the thigh as in
sitting up from lying down
Flexes and adducts thigh at
hip joint
Extension of leg at knee
joint; flexes thigh at hip
joint

 Vastus
lateralis
Vastus
medialis
Vastus
intermedius

ilium above
acetabullum
Upper end and
shaft of femur
Upper end and
shaft of femur
Anterior and
lateral surfaces
of shaft of femur

tubercle of tibia
Femoral nerve

Extension of leg at knee

joint
Extension of leg at knee
joint; stabilizes patella
Extension of leg at knee
joint;
Articularis genus: retracts
synovial membrane

Muscles of the Medial Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

MUSCLE
Gracilis
Adductor longus
Adductor brevis
Adductor magnus

Obturator
externus

ORIGIN
Inferior ramus of
pubis; ramus of
ischium
Body of pubis,
medial to pubic
tubercle
Inferior ramus of
pubis
Inferior ramus of
pubis; ramus of
ischium; ischial
tuberosity
Outer surface of
obturator
membrane ; pubic
and ischial rami

INSERTION
Upper part of
shaft of tibia on
medial surface
Posterior surface
of shaft of femur
(linea aspera)
Posterior surface
of shaft of femur
(linea aspera)
Posterior surface
of shaft of femur;
adductor tubercle
of femur
Medial surface of
greater trochanter

NERVE SUPPLY
Obturator nerve

ACTION
Adducts thigh at hip joint;
flexes leg at knee joint

Obturator nerve

Adducts thigh at hip joint;

assists in lateral rotation

Obturator nerve

Adducts thigh at hip joint;

assists in lateral rotation

Adductor
portion:
obturator nerve

Adducts thigh at hip joint;

assists in lateral rotation;

Obturator nerve

Laterally rotates thigh at

hip joint

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Thigh

MUSCLE
Biceps femoris

Semitendinosus

ORIGIN
Long head: ischial
tuberosity
Short head: linea
aspera; lateral
supracondylar
ridge of shaft of
femur
Ischial tuberosity

Semimembranosus
Adductor magnus
(Hamstring
portion)

INSERTION
Head of fibula

Upper part of
medial surface of
shaft of tibia
Medial condyle of
tibia
Adductor tubercle
of femur

NERVE SUPPLY
Long head:
tibial portion of
sciatic nerve
Short head:
common
peroneal portion
of sciatic nerve
Tibial portion
of sciatic nerve

ACTION
Flexes and laterally rotates
leg at knee joint;
Long head: also extends
thigh at hip joint
Flexes and medially rotates
leg at knee joint; extends
thigh at hip joint
Extends thigh at hip joint

Muscles of the Anterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg

MUSCLE
Tibialas anterior

ORIGIN
Lateral surface of
shaft of tibia and
interosseous
membrane

INSERTION
Medial cuneiform
and base of 1st
metatarsal bone

NERVE SUPPLY
Deep peroneal
nerve

ACTION
Extends foot at ankle joint
(dorsiflexion); inverts foot
at subtalar and transverse
tarsal joints; holds up

Extensor
digitorum longus
Peroneus tertius

Anterior surface
of shaft of fibula

Extensor hallucis
longus
Extensor
digitorum brevis

Calcaneum

Extensor expansion
of lateral 4 toes
Base of 5th
metatarsal bone
Base of distal
phalanx of great
toe
By 4 tendons:
into the proximal
phalanx of the big
toe & long
extensor tendons
to 2nd to 4th toes

Deep peroneal
nerve
Deep peroneal
nerve
Deep peroneal
nerve
Deep peroneal
nerve

medial longitudinal arch of

foot
Dorsiflexion; extends toes
Dorsiflexion; everts foot
Dorsiflexion; extends big
toe; inverts foot
Extends toes

Muscles of the Lateral Fascial Compartment of the Leg

MUSCLE
Peroneus longus

ORIGIN
Lateral surface of
shaft of fibula

Peroneus brevis

INSERTION
Base of 1st
metatarsal; medial
cuneiform
Base of 5th
metatarsal bone

NERVE SUPPLY
Superficial
peroneal nerve

ACTION
Flexes foot at ankle joint
(plantar flexion); everts
foot; supports lateral
longitudinal and transverse
arches of foot

Muscles of the Posterior Fascial Compartment of the Leg

MUSCLE
Superficial Group
Gastrocnemius

ORIGIN

INSERTION

NERVE SUPPLY

ACTION

Lateral head:
lateral condyle of
femur;
Medial head:
above medial
condyle
Lateral
supracondylar
ridge of femur
Shafts of tibia
and fibula

Via tendo
calcaneus into
posterior surface
of calcaneum

Tibial nerve

Plantar flexion; flexes knee

Posterior surface
of calcaneum

Tibial nerve

Plantar flexion; flexes knee

Via tendo
calcaneus into
posterior surface
of calcaneum

Tibial nerve

Powerful plantar flexor;

provides main propulsive
force in walking and
running

Lateral surface of
lateral condyle of
femur

Posterior surface
of shaft of tibia
above soleal line

Tibial nerve

Flexor digitorum
longus

Posterior surface
of shaft of tibia

Bases of distal
phalanges of
lateral 4 toes

Tibial nerve

Flexor hallucis
longus

Posterior surface
of shaft of fibula

Base of distal
phalanx of big toe

Tibial nerve

Tibialis posterior

Posterior surface
of shafts of tibia
and fibula;
interosseous

Tuberosity of
navicular bone and
other neighboring
bones

Tibial nerve

Flexes knee; unlocks knee

joint by lateral rotation of
femur on tibia and slackens
ligaments of joints
Flexes distal phalanges of
lateral 4 toes; plantar
flexion; supports medial and
lateral longitudinal arches
Flexes distal phalanges of
big toe; plantar flexion;
supports medial and lateral
longitudinal arches
Plantar flexion; inverts foot;
supports medial and lateral
longitudinal arches

Plantaris
Soleus

Deep Group
Popliteus

membrane

Muscles of the Sole of the Foot

MUSCLE
First Layer
Abductor hallucis
Flexor digitorum
brevis

Abductor digiti
minimi
Second Layer
Quadratus plantae
Lumbricals (4)

Flexor digitorum
longus tendon
Flexor hallucis
longus tendon
Third Layer
Flexor hallucis
brevis

Adductor hallucis

Flexor digiti
minimi brevis
Fourth Layer
Interossei
Dorsal (4)

ORIGIN

INSERTION

NERVE SUPPLY

ACTION

Medial tuberosity
of calcaneum;
flexor retinaculum
Medial tubercle of
calcaneum

Base of proximal
phalanx of big toe

Medial plantar
nerve

4 tendons to 4
lateral toes:
Inserted into
borders of middle
phalanx, tendons
perforated by
those of flexor
digitorum longus
Base of proximal
phalanx of 5th toe

Medial plantar
nerve

Flexes and abducts big toe;

braces medial longitudinal
arch
Flexes lateral 4 toes;
braces medial and lateral
longitudinal arches

Lateral plantar
nerve

Flexes and abductions 5th

toe; braces lateral
longitudinal arch

Tendon of flexor
digitorum longus

Lateral plantar
nerve

Assists flexor digitorum

longus in flexing lateral 4
toes
Extends toes at
interphalangeal joints

Medial and lateral

tubercles of
calcaneum
Medial and lateral
sides of
calcaneum
Tendons of flexor
digitorum longus

Dorsal extensor
expansion; bases
of proximal
phalanges of
lateral four toes

First lumbrical:
medial plantar
nerve
2nd to 4th
lumbricals:
lateral plantar
nerve
See MUSCLES OF THE POSTERIOR FASCIAL COMPARTMENT OF THE LEG
See MUSCLES OF THE POSTERIOR FASCIAL COMPARTMENT OF THE LEG
Cuboid; lateral
cuneiform; tibialis
posterior insertion

Oblique head
bases of 2nd-4th
metatarsal bone;
transverse head
from plantar
ligaments
Base of 5th
metatarsal bone

Adjacent sides of
metatarsal bones

Medial tendon:
medial side of
base of proximal
phalanx of big
toe;
Lateral tendon:
lateral side of
base of proximal
phalanx of big toe
Lateral side of
base of proximal
phalanx of big toe

Medial plantar
nerve

Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint of big toe; supports
medial longitudinal arch

Deep branch
lateral plantar
nerve

Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint of big toe; holds
together metatarsal bones

Lateral side of
base of proximal
phalanx of little
toe

Lateral plantar
nerve

Flexes metatarsophalangeal
joint of little toe

Dorsal extensor
expansion;

Lateral plantar
nerve

Abduction of toes; flexes

metatarsophalangeal joints;

 Plantar (3)

Peroneus longus
Tibialis posterior
tendon

Bases of proximal
extends interphalangeal
phalanges:
joints
1st: medial side of
2nd toe
2nd-4th: lateral
sides of 2nd-4th
toes
Inferior surface
Medial side of
Lateral plantar
Adduction of toes; flexes
of 3rd-5th
bases of proximal
nerve
metatarsophalangeal joints;
metatarsal bone
phalanges of
extends interphalangeal
lateral 3 toes
joints
See MUSCLES OF THE LATERAL FASCIAL COMPARTMENT OF THE LEG
See MUSCLES OF THE POSTERIOR FASCIAL COMPARTMENT OF THE LEG

Muscles of the Dorsum of the Foot

MUSCLE
Extensor
digitorum brevis

ORIGIN
Anterior part of
upper surface of
the calcaneum;
inferior extensor
retinaculum

INSERTION
By 4 tendons:
Proximal phalanx
of big toe;
Long extensor
tendons: 2nd-4th
toes

NERVE SUPPLY
Deep peroneal
nerve

ACTION
Extends toes