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Brachioradialis
Ah, the brachioradialis—this one is kind of the quirky cousin in the forearm family. Most forearm muscles are either flexors on the palm side or extensors on the back side. However, the brachioradialisFlexor Forearm near elbow; helps flex arm in handshake position. lives on the posterior (extensor) side of the forearm. It functions as a flexor.
Functionally, the brachioradialis is an elbow flexor, but with a twist—literally. It works best when your forearm is in a neutralA solution with a pH of 7. position. This is like when your thumb points up, as if you’re holding a hammer. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “hammer curl muscle.” It also assists slightly in pronation and supination. It gently nudges the forearm back toward neutral when it’s overly pronated or supinated.
Photography, text, and labels by Rob Swatski, Assistant Professor of Biology, Harrisburg Area Community College – York Campus, York, PA.
Brachioradialis Origin
The brachioradialis muscle originates from the lateralAway from the midline of the body. supracondylar ridge of the humerusLong bone of the upper arm; articulates with scapula at shoulder and radius/ulna at elbow.. This is a bony ridge on the lateral side of the lower end of the humerus
Brachioradialis Insertion
The brachioradialis inserts onto the lateral surface of the distal end of the radiusLateral forearm bone (thumb side); rotates around ulna during pronation/supination., near the styloid processThere are many styloid processes in the human body. All are pointed projections that serve as muscle. This specific insertion allows for its characteristic movements and functions.
Brachioradialis Actions
Elbow Flexion
Forearm Supination and Pronation
Stabilization during Elbow Movements
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
Identify More Muscles
Link to more Muscle Identification
Upper Arm Muscles
Forearm Muscles
Calf Muscles
Anterior Thigh Muscles
Posterior Thigh Muscles
Knee Structures
Chest Muscles
Back Muscles
Abdominal Muscles
Neck Muscles
Head Muscles
List of terms
- brachioradialis
- neutral
- anatomy
- lateral
- humerus
- radius
- styloid process