Understanding the Deltoid Muscle Anatomy

Time To Read

1–2 minutes

Date Last Modified

Deltoid

When you walk, the deltoid helps you swing your arms. Next time you walk try not to swing your arms. It hurts mentally.

Deltoid muscle anatomy model, side view, showing muscle location and function
Deltoid muscle anatomy model, side view, showing muscle location and function
Photography, text, and labels by Rob Swatski, Assistant Professor of Biology, Harrisburg Area Community College – York Campus, York, PA.
An anatomical illustration of a male figure highlighting the shoulder muscle in red.

Deltoid Origin

Anterior (Clavicular) Part: This portion of the deltoid originates from the lateral third of the clavicle.

Middle (Acromial) Part: The middle portion originates from the acromion, a bony projection on the scapula (shoulder blade).

Posterior (Spinal) Part: The posterior part of the deltoid originates from the spine of the scapula.

Deltoid Insertion

The deltoid muscle converges from these three points. It inserts into the deltoid tuberosity on the lateral aspect of the humerus. The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm. This insertion allows the deltoid to exert force on the arm, enabling a wide range of shoulder movements.

Deltoid Actions

Extension and Lateral Rotation of the Arm

Flexion and Medial Rotation of the Arm

Abduction of the Arm

Interactive Materials

Use this 3D Viewer to Explore the Muscles of the Upper Body

“Open3DModel – Upper limb – English labels” by Open3D project, Jan Kooloos, RadboudUMC, Eungyeol Lee, LUMC et al, license: CC BY-SA

List of terms