Muscles of the Elbow/Forearm

Question 1

Brachialis

Answer 1

• strong elbow flexor that lies deep to the biceps brachii on the anterior side of the arm
• Flex the elbow (at humeroulnar joint)

Practical Examples:

• Bringing food from plate to mouth
• Picking up books
• Carrying a baby car seat

Question 2

Brachioradialis

Answer 2

• superficial on the lateral side of the forearm (is a helpful dividing line between the flexors and extensors of the wrist and fingers)
• Flex the elbow (humeroulnar joint); Assist to pronate and supinate the forearm when these movements are resisted (humeroradial joints)

Practical Examples:

• Turning a doorknob
• Arranging cups in the dishwasher
• Swimming the breaststroke (forearms pronated)

Question 3

Pronator Quadratus

Answer 3

• lacking the power and speed of the pronator teres, the pronator quadratus has transverse fibers that lie deep to the flexor tendons and the major nerve and blood vessels of the anterior forearm
• Pronate the forearm (radioulnar joints)

Question 4

Supinator

Answer 4

• located on the lateral side of the elbow and deep to the forearm extensors just superficial to the head of the radius
• Supinate the forearm (radioulnar joints)

Practical Examples:

• Digging out a big scoop of ice cream
• Swirling the water in a bathtub
• Folding your clothes

Question 5

Anconeus

Answer 5

• weak elbow extensor located lateral to the olecranon process (it is triangular in shape and superficial)
• Extend the elbow (humeroulnar joint)