MUSCLES OF THE

BODY

The next section includes tables summarising the muscles, locations, origin, insertion and action.
The table below includes a summary of the major muscles. I
t should be used as a guide to the muscles that you need to know, as a minimum.
Further into the notes are more detailed tables of the muscles.
These are for reference purposes only.
Summary of the Major Muscles

Name Location Origin Insertion Joint Action

Initiated
Adductors Upper Pubis Femur Adducts hip
- magnus thigh, groin
- longus
- brevis
Biceps brachii Upper arm Scapula Radius Flexes elbow
coracoid
process, glenoid
Brachialis Upper arm Humerus Ulna Flexes elbow

Brachioradialis Forearm Humerus (distal) Radius (distal) Flexes elbow

Deltoid Shoulder Clavicle and Humerus deltoid Ant - Flex & medially
- anterior scapula tuberosity) rotate shoulder
- medial Med Abduct shoulder
- posterior Post Extend & laterally
rotate shoulder
Erector spinae Back Lumbar and Upper thoracic Extend vertebral column
thoracic vertebra
vertebra
Gastrocnemeus Calf Femur Calcaneus (m) Plantar flexes ankle

Gluteus Buttocks Max - Ilium, Femur Max - Extends hip

- maximus sacrum, coccyx Med Abducts hip
- medius Med ilium
Hamstrings Hamstring Ischium Tibia (proximal) Flexes knee
- semimembranosus Ischium Tibia (proximal) (assists in hip extension)
- semitendinosus Ischium & Femur Fibula (proximal)
- biceps femoris
Iliopsoas Hip (deep) Lumbar vertebra Femur Flexes hip

Infraspinatus Shoulder Scapula Humerus Lateral rotation of

shoulder
Latissimus dorsi Back & side Lower thoracic Humerus Adducts, medially
of trunk & lumbar rotates and extends
vertebra shoulder
Obliques Side, lower Int iliac crest Int lower ribs Lateral flexion and
- internal trunk Ext lower ribs Ext iliac crest rotation of vertebral
- external column
Pectoralis Chest Maj sternum & Maj humerus Maj Flexes, adducts
- major clavicle Min scapula and medially rotates
- minor Min ribs 3 - 5 (coracoid shoulder
process) Min protraction &
depression of scapula
(shoulder girdle)

2 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Name Location Origin Insertion Joint Action
Initiated
Quadriceps femoris thigh RF extends knee,
- rectus femoris RF ilium patella assists in hip flexion
- vastus medialis VM, VL, VI - VM, VL, VI extends
- vastus lateralis femur knee
vastus intermedius
Rectus abdominis Abdomen Pubis Costal cartilage Flexes vertebral column
and lower
sternum
Rhomboids Upper back Thoracic Scapula Retract scapula
(deep) vertebra (shoulder girdle)
- major
- minor
Soleus Calf Fibula Calcaneus(m) Plantar flexion of ankle
(proximal)
Subscapularis Shoulder Scapula Humerus Medial rotation of
(underside) shoulder
Supraspinatus Shoulder Scapula Humerus Abducts shoulder

Teres Upper back Scapula Humerus Maj adducts and

- major medially rotates
- minor shoulder
Min Laterally rotates
shoulder
Tibialis anterior Shin Tibia 9proximal) Metatarsal Dorsi flexes ankle

Tranverse abdominis Abdomen Lower ribs, iliac Linea alba, Stabilises trunk
(deep) crest pubis (vertebral column and
hips)
Trapezius Upper back Vertebra Clavicle and Elevation of scapula
cervical, scapula (shoulder girdle), assists
thoracic in retraction of scapula
Triceps brachii Upper arm Scapula and Ulna Extends elbow
humarus olecranon
process
Muscles that move the Shoulder Girdle (Scapula and Clavicle)

Name Location Origin Insertion Action

Levator scapulae Back side Dorsal surfaces Vertebral border Elevates scapula
neck of first 4 cervical of scapula
vertebrae
Pectoralis minor Chest Ventral surfaces Coracoid Assists in protraction &
of ribs 3-5 process of depression of scapula
scapula
Rhomboideus major Upper back Spinal processes Medial border of Retraction & downward
of upper thoracic spine of scapula rotation of the scapula
vertebrae (inferior to minor)
Rhomboideus minor Upper back Spinal processes Medial border of Retraction & downward
of upper thoracic spine of scapula rotation of the scapula
vertebrae
Serratus anterior Side ribs Ventral and Ventral surface of Protraction & upward
superior margins vertebral border rotation of the scapula
of ribs 1-9 of scapula
Subclavius Clavicle area First rib Clavicle Depresses the clavicle,
assists in protraction of
scapula
Trapezius Posterior Back of the skull Outer border Assists in retraction,
upper elastic ligament of clavicle, upward rotation &
shoulder between the the acromion elevation of scapula;
cervical spines of process, the superiorly the two sides
the 7th cervical spine of the of the upper trapezius
and thoracic scapula working together
vertebrae, all of can draw the head
the remaining backward; working
thoracic singularly, bends the
vertebrae head sideways

4 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation





PectoralisMajor
Description
of the chest
Large muscle
Broad, thick, triangular

Origin
Upper portion
of the muscle arises from inner third of clavicle, and lower portion of the muscle from the
sternum and cartilages of the upper 6 ribs

Insertion

All fibres converge to be inserted into humerus

Action
Adduction
of the shoulder

Also produces internal (medial) rotation and flexion of the shoulder

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 5

Muscles that move the Upper Arm

Name Location Origin Insertion Action

Coracobrachialis Under arm Coracoid Medial margin of Assists in adduction &
process shaft of humerus flexion of the shoulder
Deltoid Shoulder Clavicle and Deltoid tuberosity Anterior fibres- flex &
scapula of humerus medially rotate shoulder;
medial fibres abduct
shoulder; posterior fibres
extend and laterally
rotate shoulder
Supraspinatus Shoulder Supraspinous Greater tubercle Abduct shoulder
fossa of scapula of humerus
Infraspinatus Shoulder Infraspinous Greater tubercle Lateral rotation of
fossa of scapula of humerus shoulder
Subscapularis Shoulder Subscapular Lesser tubercle Medial rotation of
fossa of scapula of humerus shoulder
Teres major Upper back Inferior angle of Intertubercular Adducts and medially
scapula groove of rotates shoulder
humerus
Teres minor Upper back Axillary border of Greater tubercle Lateral rotation of
scapula of humerus shoulder
Triceps Posterior Superior lateral Olecranon Extends elbow
Lateral head humerus margin of process
Long head humerus.
Medial head Infraglenoid
tuberosity of
scapula.
Posterior margin
of humerus
inferior to radial
groove
Latissimus dorsi Back & side Spinal processes Humerus Extends, adducts and
of trunk of lower thoracic medially rotates shoulder
vertebrae, ribs
8-12, the spines
of
lumbar
vertebrae
Pectoralis major Chest Cartilages of Greater tubercle Adducts, flexes and
ribs 2-6, body of humerus medially rotates shoulder
of sternum and
inferior, medial
portion of
clavicle

6 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Deltoid (Anterior, Medial, Posterior)
Description
Thick triangular muscle
Covers the shoulder joint
Fibres are divided into anterior, middle and posterior
Called deltoid because of its triangular shape
Origin
Outer 1/3 of the clavicle, the acromion, and the spine of the scapula
Insertion
The fibres converge into a single tendon that inserts into the humerus 1/2 way down its shaft
(deltoideus tubercle)
Action
Anterior fibres draw the arm forward (shoulder flexion) and medially rotate the shoulder
Medial (i.e. middle) fibres abduct the shoulder (i.e. raise the arm to the side)
Posterior fibres draw the arm backward (i.e. extend and laterally rotate shoulder)

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 7
Muscles of the Spine

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action

Semispinalis capitis Neck Processes of Occipital bone, Extends neck, assists in
lower cervical between nuchal lateral flexion of neck (tilt
and upper lines head to side)
thoracic
vertebrae
Splenius Neck Spinal processes Mastoid process Extends neck, assists in
and ligaments and occipital rotation & lateral flexion
connecting bone of skull of neck (tilt head to side)
upper and
cervical vertebra
Scalene Neck Transverse and Superior surfaces Elevates ribs, and/or
costal processes of first two ribs flexes neck
of cervical
vertebrae
Spinalis dorsi Thoracic Spinal processes Spinal processes Extends spinal column
vertebra of thoracic and of upper thoracic
upper lumbar vertebrae
vertebra
Longissimus capitis Neck (side) Processes of Mastoid Extends neck, assists in
lower cervical processes of rotation & lateral flexion
and upper temporal bone of neck
thoracic vertebra
Longissimus dorsi Thoracic Transverse Transverse Extends & laterally flexes
region processes of processes of spine
lower thoracic higher vertebrae
and upper and inferior
lumbar vertebra surfaces of ribs
Iliocostalis cervicis Lower neck Superior Transverse Extends and laterally
border of processes of flexes neck, elevates ribs
vertebrosternal middle and lower
ribs cervical vertebrae
Iliocostalis Lumbar Sacrospinal Inferior surface of Extends spine,
lumborum region aponeurosis and lower 7 ribs depresses ribs
iliac crest

Transversus group Spine Between the Between the Stabilises, rotates and
dorsal processes dorsal processes extends the spine
of adjacent of adjacent
vertebrae vertebrae
Longus capitus Neck Anterior Base of occipital Assists in flexing &
processes bone rotating the neck
of cervical
vertebrae

8 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

 Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action
Longus cervicis Neck Anterior Transverse Flexes and or
processes processes of rotates neck, limits
of cervical upper cervical hyperextension
vertebrae and vertebrae
upper thoracic
vertebrae
Quadratus Lumbar Iliac crest Last rib and Depress ribs, assists in
lumborum region transverse flexing & laterally flexing
processes of spine
lumber vertebrae
Erector spinae Lumbar Spinous Spinous Principal extensors of
and lower processes processes of vertebral column, extend
thoracic of upper upper thoracic vertebral column when
vertebrae lumbar and vertebrae contracting bilaterally,
lower thoracic when contracting
vertebrae unilaterally produce
lateral flexion of vertebral
column

Soft Tissue of the Back:

Superficial Muscles
The main superficial muscles are:
Trapezius -
Prime mover for a number of shoulder and scapula movements. Attaches to shoulder girdle and
vertebral column.
Latissimus Dorsi
Attaches to humerus and spinous processes of lower back and to thoracic lumbar fascia. Prime mover
of shoulder extension and assists in adduction and medial rotation.
Deeper Muscles
The main deeper muscles include:
Rhomboideus Major and Rhomboideus Minor -
Attach to scapula and spinous processes of thoracic vertebra. Prime movers for retraction of the
scapula (and assist in downward rotation).
Rotator Cuff muscles consisting of the infraspinatus, teres minor, supraspinatus and subscapularis
Stability and rotation of shoulder (infraspinatus, teres minor, supraspinatus and subscapularis).
Supraspinatus assists in shoulder abduction, teres minor and infraspinatus assist in lateral rotation while
subscapularis assists in medial rotation.
Teres Major
Attaches to humerus and scapula and assists in medial rotation.
Erector Spinae group
Prime mover for extension of the vertebral column. Includes iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis.

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Other deeper muscles of the back include:
Levator Scapulae -
Attaches to transverse processes of vertebra and medial border of the scapula.
Prime mover for elevation of the scapula.
Serratus Anterior
Prime mover for protraction of the scapula and assists in upward rotation of the scapula and
stabilisation of the shoulder girdle.
Sternocleidomastoid
Attaches to the sternum and the base of head. Assists in neck flexion.
Splenius Capitis
Attaches to upper vertebra and base of the skull. Assists in neck extension.
Multifidous
Layers of stabilising muscles in thoracic and lumbar region.

Muscles of the Abdomen

Superficial Muscles
The main superficial muscles are:
Rectus Abdominis muscles
Attach to the pelvis and ribs and are the prime movers for trunk (vertebral column)
flexion.
Obliques (External)
Attach to the lower ribs and iliac crest and assist in flexion, lateral flexion and rotation of the trunk
(vertebral column)
Deeper Muscles
The main deeper muscles include:
Obliques (Internal)
Attach to the lower ribs and linea alba (the connective tissue separating the rectus abdominis) and
assist in flexion, lateral flexion and rotation of the trunk (vertebral column)
Transverse Abdominis
Attach to the pelvis and ribs and are the deepest abdominal muscles. Stabilisers of the pelvis and trunk
and rotate and extend the spine.
Quadratus Lumborum
Attaches to the ribs and lumbar vertebrae. Assists in lateral flexion and extension of the spine.
Iliopsoas
The iliacus and psoas major muscles come together to form the iliopsoas. It is a deep muscle that
attaches from the lumbar vertebrae and runs inside the pelvis to the top of the femur. If it is tight it may
cause increased lordosis. Iliopsoas is theprime mover for hip flexion.

10 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Trapezius

Description
Broad, flat and triangular in shape
All fibres converge towards the upper part of the shoulder
Origin
Back of the skull
Elastic ligament between the cervical spines of the 7th cervical and thoracic vertebrae
All of the remaining thoracic vertebrae
Insertion
Outer border of clavicle
The acromion process
The spine of the scapula
Action
Retracts and upwardly rotates scapula, assists in elevation of scapula
The two sides of the upper trapezius working together can draw the head backward (neck extension)
Working singularly, bends the head sideways (i.e. neck lateral flexion)

The diagram above shows the superficial muscles of the back. The diagram below shows the deeper
muscles (on the right side). Note the erector spinae group consists of several muscles that support the
vertebral column. They extend the length of the spine passing underneath the rhomboids.

FIA/Fitnation

Muscles of the Body 11


Latissimus
Dorsi

Description
Broadest muscle of the back
All fibres converge towards the armpit
Origin
Crest of the ilium
Sacrum
Spinous processes of the lumbar and the lower thoracic vertebrae
The lower four ribs and inferior angle of the scapula
Insertion
Via a single tendon into the inner and anterior surface of the humerus
Action
To bring the shoulder from the abducted position to the side of the body (i.e. adduction of shoulder)
Also pulls the body to the arm (eg. during a pull up / chin up exercise

Extends and medially rotates shoulder

12 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Rhomboideus Major and Rhomboideus Minor

Origin
Major: From the spinous processes of the 2nd5th thoracic vertebrae
Minor: From the spinous processes of the 7th cervical 1st thoracic vertebrae
Insertion
Into the medial border of the spine of scapula
Action
Both muscles have a similar action in initiating retraction of the scapula
The muscles assist in downward rotation of the scapula and fix the scapula during dduction and
extension of the shoulder joint
Trapezius and rhomboids work together to produce slight elevation of the scapula and latissimus dorsi
prevents too much elevation
Chin ups and dips are excellent exercises for developing these muscles

Muscles that Move the Forearm and Wrist

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action

Biceps brachii Anterior of Coracoid Tuberosity of Flexes and supinates
humerus process radius elbow
(short head),
supraglenoid
tuberosity (long
head) both on
scapula
Brachialis Humerus Anterior, distal Tuberosity of ulna Flexes elbow
surface of
humerus
Brachioradialis Forearm Lateral Lateral aspect of Flexes elbow
epicondyle of styloid process
humerus of radius
Anconeus Posterior Posterior Lateral margin Assists in extending
upper surface of lateral of olecranon on the elbow, moves ulna
forearm epicondyle of ulna laterally during pronation
humerus
Triceps Posterior Three Heads Olecranon Extension of the elbow,
upper arm 1. long head - process of the (extension of the
lower edge of ulna shoulder - long head
glenoid cavity of only)
scapula
2. lateral head
3. medial head
Pronator Quadratus Anterior wrist Medial surface of Anterolateral Pronates radioulnar joint
distal portion of surface of distal (elbow)
ulna portion of radius

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 13

 Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action
Pronator Anterior Medial Distal lateral Pronates radioulnar joint
Teres forearm epicondyle surface of radius (elbow)
of humerus
and coronoid
process of ulna
Supinator Forearm Lateral condyle Anterolateral Supinates radioulnar joint
of humerus surface of radius (elbow)
distal to the
radial tuberosity
Flexor carpi radialis Anterior Medial Base of 2nd Flexes and abducts wrist
forearm epicondyle of metacarpal
humerus

Flexor carpi ulnaris Anterior Medial Bases of Flexes and adducts wrist
forearm epicondyle metacarpals 3-5
of humerus,
adjacent medial
surface of
olecranon and
anteromedial
portion of ulna
Palmaris longus Anterior Medial Palmar Flexes wrist
lower epicondyle of aponeurosis
forearm humerus

Extensor carpi Posterior Lateral Base of 2nd Extends and abducts

radialis forearm epicondyle of metacarpal wrist
humerus

Extensor carpi Posterior Lateral Base of 5th Extends and adducts

ulnaris forearm epicondyle of metacarpal wrist
humerus, dorsal
surface of ulna

Biceps Brachii

Description
Two joint muscle
Powerful elbow flexor - most powerful when elbow joint is supinated
Weak pronator
Origin
Two Heads
1. Long head tubercle of scapula
2. Short head - coracoid process of scapula

14 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Insertion
Tuberosity of the radius
Action
Flexion of the elbow
Supination of the radio-ulnar joint (i.e. at the elbow)

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 15

Brachialis

Origin
Lower half of the anterior portion of the humerus
Insertion
Tuberosity of the ulna
Action
Flexion of the elbow

Brachioradialis

Origin
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Insertion
Outer surface of the lower end of the radius at the styloid process
Action
Flexion of the elbow
Pronation from supinated position
Supination from pronated position

Triceps Brachii

Origin
Three Heads
1. Long head - lower edge of glenoid cavity of scapula
2. Lateral head - upper 1/2 of posterior surface of humerus
3. Medial head - lower 2/3rds of posterior surface of humerus
Insertion
Olecranon process of the ulna
Action
Extension of the elbow
Extension of the shoulder - long head only

16 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation



FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 17

Abdominal Muscles

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Movement

External intercostals Ribs Inferior border of superior border Elevate ribs
each rib of each previous
rib
Interna intercostals Ribs Superior border Inferior border of Depress ribs
of each rib each previous rib
Transverse thoracis Lower Chest Medial surface of Cartilages of ribs Depress ribs
sternum
External obliques Side ribs Lower 8 ribs Linea alba and Lateral Flexion & rotation
iliac crest of the trunk (spine)
Internal obliques Abdominal Iliac crest Lower ribs, Compresses abdomen,
xiphoid of depresses ribs, flexes
sternum and and laterally rotates trunk
linea alba (spine)
Transverse Abdominal Cartilages of Linea alba and Compresses abdomen,
abdominis lower ribs, pubis maintains stability of
iliac crest, trunk (spine)
lumbodorsal
fascia
Diaphragm Abdomen Xiphoid process, Central Contraction expands
cartilages of ribs, tendinous sheet thoracic cavity and
anterior surfaces compresses abdominal
of lumbar cavity
vertebrae
Rectus abdominis Abdomen Pubic bone and Inferior surfaces Depresses ribs, flexes
pubic symphysis of costal vertebral column, draws
cartilages and pelvis forward
xiphoid process
of sternum

Abdominal Oblique External

The external obliques are the superficial layer of the obliques. They are located on either side of the rectus
abdominis.
Origin
Lower 8 ribs
Insertion
Iliac crest and linea alba
Action
Flexion, lateral flexion and rotation of trunk (spine)

18 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Abdominal Oblique Internal
The internal obliques are the deeper layer of the obliques. They are located on either side of the rectus
abdominis underneath the external obliques.
Origin
Iliac crest
Insertion

Lowest 3-4 ribs, linea alba, xiphoid of sternum

Action
Flexes
and laterally rotates trunk (spine)

Rectus Abdominis


Origin
Pubic bone and pubic symphysis


Insertion

Xiphoid process sternum, costal cartilages of 5th-7th ribs

Action
Flexes trunk (spine)

Draws pelvis anteriorly

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 19

Transverse Abdominis

The deepest layer of the abdominals
Origin

crest, fascia, costal cartilages of lower 6 ribs

Iliac
Insertion

Linea alba, pubic bone
Action

rime
mover for stability of the pelvis, assists in stabilisation of the trunk, extension and rotation of the
spine.

20 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Muscles that Move the Thigh

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action

Gluteus maximus Buttocks Posterior portion Posterior upper Extends and laterally
of ilium, sacrum third of femur rotates hip
and coccyx below greater
trochanter
Gluteus medius Buttocks Outer surface of Greater Abducts and medially
ilium trochanter of rotates hip
femur
Gluteus minimus Buttocks Lateral surface Greater Abducts and medially
of ilium between trochanter of rotates hip
inferior and femur
anterior gluteal
lines
Tensor fasciae latae Pelvic region Iliac crest and Iliotibial tract Assists in flexion,
above head surface of ilium abduction & medial
of femur between anterior rotation of hip, laterally
iliac spines supports knee
Piriformis Groin region Anterolateral Greater Laterally rotates and
surface of trochanter of abducts hip
sacrum femur
Adductors Groin region Inferior ramus of Linea aspera of Adducts hip
Adductor brevis pubis femur

Adductor Groin region Inferior ramus of Linea aspera of Adducts, flexes and
pubis anterior to femur medially rotates hip
longus
brevis

Adductor magnus Groin region Inferior ramus of Linea aspera of Adducts hip, anterior
pubis anterior to femur portion flexes hip,
brevis posterior portion extends
hip
Pectineus Groin Superior surface Pectineal line Flexes and
of pubis inferior to lesser adducts hip
trochanter of
femur
Iliopsoas Hip Inner surface of Lesser Flexes hip and/or lumbar
Iliacus ilium trochanter below spine
Psoas Anterior surfaces neck of femur
of T12-L5

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 21

Iliopsoas
Made up of psoas and iliacus muscles

Psoas

Origin
Transverse process and bodies of the last thoracic and all of the lumbar vertebrae
Insertion
into the lesser trochanter below the neck of the femur
Action
Flexes the hip

Iliacus

Origin
Whole inner surface of the ilium
Insertion
Into the lesser trochanter in conjunction with the tendon of the psoas
Action
Similar action to psoas

Gluteus Maximus

Origin
Posterior portion of the ilium and back of the sacrum and coccyx
Insertion
Posterior aspect of the upper third of the femur below the greater trochanter
Action
Extension of the hip
Important muscle - helps us to maintain erect posture
Chief muscle of forward propulsion (ie. walking, running)

Gluteus Medius

Origin
Outer surface of the ilium
Insertion
The greater trochanter of the femur

22 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Action
Abduction and medial rotation of the hip
Tilts the pelvis towards its side thus raising the opposite limb off the ground - important in walking and
running

Quadriceps Femoris
Consists of: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius
Origin
Rectus femoris arises from ilium
Vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius arise from shaft of femur
Insertion
Tendons of all four parts unite and attach to the sides of the patella
Action
All four parts extend the knee (straighten)
Rectus femoris also assists in weak hip flexion

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 23

The following are collectively called Hamstrings:

Biceps Femoris

Origin
Two heads - long head from ischial tuberosity, short head from femur
Insertion
Head of the fibula
Action
Flexes the knee (i.e. bends the knee)
Assists in hip extension
Assists in laterally rotating the hip when knee is slightly flexed

Semimembranosus

Origin
Ischial tuberosity
Insertion
Medial condyle of tibia
Action
Flexes the knee, assists in extending, adducting and medially rotating hip

Semitendinosus

Origin
Ischial tuberosity
Insertion
Medial aspect of tibia
Action
Flexes the knee (i.e. bends the knee)
Assists in hip extension
When knee is partially flexed, medially rotates hip

24 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation



FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 25

Muscles that Move the Lower Leg

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action

Biceps femoris Hamstring Long head from Head of fibula Flexes knee, assists in
ischial tuberosity, extending & laterally
short head from rotating hip when knee
femur slightly flexed
Semimembranosus Hamstring Tuberosity of Posterior surface Flexes knee, assists in
ischium of medial condyle extending, adducting &
of tibia medially rotating hip
Semitendinosus Hamstring Tuberosity of Medial aspect of Flexes knee, assists in
ischium tibia extending, adducting &
medially rotating hip
Gracilis Inside thigh Interior rami Anterior surface Assists in hip flexion &
of pubis and of tibia inferior to adduction
ischium medial condyle
Sartorius Crossing Anterior superior Medial surface Assists in hip flexion &
diagonally spine of ilium of tibia near tibial lateral rotation
over thigh tuberosity
Rectus femoris Part of ilium patella Extends knee & assists
quadriceps in weak hip flexion
Vastus intermedius Part of Shaft of femur patella Extends knee
quadriceps
Vastus lateralis Part of Shaft of femur patella Extends knee
quadriceps
Vastus medialis Part of Shaft of femur patella Extends knee
quadriceps

Lower Leg Muscles

Tibialis Anterior

Origin
Upper fibula/lateral condyle of tibia
Insertion
First metatarsal
Action
Dorsi flexes ankle
Inverts ankle (i.e. turns sole of the foot inwards)
Helps support longitudinal arch of foot when walking

26 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

Gastrocnemius
Origin
Dual origin - medial condyle and posterior surface of femur - lateral condyle of femur
Insertion
Calcaneus of foot
Action
Plantar flexes ankle
Assists in knee flexion

Soleus

Origin
Head and posterior aspect of fibula
Insertion
Calcaneus of foot
Action
Plantar flexes ankle
Steadies leg when standing

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 27

Muscles that Move the Ankle, Foot and Toes

Muscle Location Origin Insertion Action

Tibialis anterior Front of tibia Lateral condyle Base of first Dorsi flexes ankle
tibia metatarsal
Peroneus brevis Lateral of mid lateral Base of 5th Everts ankle
lower leg margin of fibula metatarsal
Peroneus longus Lateral of Lateral condyle Base of first Everts and plantar
lower leg of tibia and head metatarsal flexes ankle, supports
of fibula longitudinal arch
Soleus Calf Head and Calcaneus Plantar flexes, inverts
proximal shaft of and adducts ankle
fibula
Gastrocnemius Calf Lateral and Calcaneus Plantar flexes ankle,
medial condyles assists in knee flexion
of femur
Tibialis posterior Behind tibia Interosseous Tarsals and Adducts and inverts
membrane and metatarsals ankle
adjacent shafts
of tibia and fibula
Flexor digitorum Medial Posteromedial Inferior surfaces Plantar flexes toes 2-5
longus posterior surface of tibia of phalanges 2-5
lower leg
Flexor hallucis Under calf Posterior surface Inferior surface Plantar flexes big toe
longus of fibula of phalanx of the
big toe
Extensor digitorum Front lower Lateral condyle Superior surface Dorsi flexes toes 2-5
longus leg of tibia, anterior of phalanges 2-5
surface of fibula
Extensor hallucis Anterior Anterior surface Superior surface, Dorsi flexes big toe
longus lower leg of fibula terminal phalanx
above ankle of big toe

Analysis of Whole Body Movement

Assess the:
Starting position
Movement itself
Completion of the movement
Effort involved
Safety issues and potential harmful aspects

Analysing a Movement
A most effective way to analyse a movement is to follow these steps:
Observe the movement (e.g. bicep curl)
Identify the names of the bones involved (e.g. humerus, ulna, radius)

28 Muscles of the Body FIA/Fitnation

 Identify the joints involved (e.g. elbow)
Identify the joint actions (e.g. elbow flexion and extension)
Identify the muscles initiating the joint actions (e.g. biceps brachii)
Identify the type of muscular contraction involved in each phase of the movement (e.g. upward or lifting
phase concentric; downward or lowering phase eccentric)

Example of Movement Analysis:

EXERCISE Bones Involved Joint Actions Muscles

Involved
Bicep Curl Ulna, radius, humerus Elbow flexion /extension Biceps brachii,
brachialis,
brachioradialis,
Tricep Extension Ulna, radius, humerus Elbow extension /flexion Triceps,
Lateral Raise (arm raise Humerus, ulna, radius Shoulder abduction / Medial deltoid
to side) adduction
Front Raise (arm raise to Humerus, ulna, radius Shoulder flexion Anterior deltoid
the front of the body)

Bench Dips Humerus, ulna, radius, Shoulder extension, Triceps, posterior

clavicle, scapula elbow extension/flexion
deltoid

FIA/Fitnation Muscles of the Body 29