Shoulder and Arm Muscles
Shoulder and Arm Muscles
Shoulder and Arm Muscles
Arm Muscles
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Introduction
The muscles of the shoulder and arm form an essential framework for upper limb mobility,
stability, and functionality. These muscles coordinate movements for daily activities such as
lifting, pushing, pulling, and fine motor tasks. They are classified into groups based on their
anatomical location and function, including extrinsic and intrinsic muscles in the shoulder
and anterior and posterior compartments in the arm.
Shoulder Muscles
The shoulder muscles are divided into extrinsic muscles (connecting the axial skeleton to the
upper limb) and intrinsic muscles (originating and inserting within the shoulder girdle).
2. Latissimus Dorsi
o Function: Extends, adducts, and medially rotates the humerus.
o Origin: Spinous processes of T7-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, and iliac crest.
o Insertion: Intertubercular sulcus of the humerus.
o Nerve Supply: Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8).
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• Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles
1. Deltoid
o Function: Abducts the arm; anterior fibers flex and medially rotate, while posterior
fibers extend and laterally rotate.
o Origin: Lateral clavicle, acromion, and scapular spine.
o Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of the humerus.
o Nerve Supply: Axillary nerve (C5-C6).
2. Rotator Cuff Muscles
o Supraspinatus: Initiates abduction (origin: supraspinous fossa; insertion: greater
tubercle).
o Infraspinatus: Externally rotates the humerus (origin: infraspinous fossa; insertion:
greater tubercle).
o Teres Minor: Stabilizes and externally rotates (origin: lateral scapular border;
insertion: greater tubercle).
o Subscapularis: Medially rotates the humerus (origin: subscapular fossa; insertion:
lesser tubercle).
o Nerve Supply: Suprascapular and subscapular nerves.
Arm Muscles
• Anterior Compartment
1. Biceps Brachii
o Function: Flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm.
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o Origin: Long head: Supraglenoid tubercle; short head: Coracoid process.
o Insertion: Radial tuberosity.
o Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5-C6).
2. Brachialis
o Function: The primary elbow flexor.
o Origin: Anterior humerus.
o Insertion: Ulnar tuberosity.
o Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous and radial nerves (C5-C7).
3. Coracobrachialis
o Function: Flexes and adducts the arm.
o Origin: Coracoid process.
o Insertion: Medial humeral shaft.
o Nerve Supply: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5-C7).
• Posterior Compartment
1. Triceps Brachii
o Function: Extends the elbow.
o Origin: Long head: Infraglenoid tubercle; lateral/medial heads: Posterior
humerus.
o Insertion: Olecranon process.
o Nerve Supply: Radial nerve (C6-C8).
2. Anconeus
o Function: Assists in elbow extension and stabilization.
o Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
o Insertion: Olecranon and posterior ulna.
o Nerve Supply: Radial nerve.
Clinical Relevance
1. Rotator Cuff Tears: Common in repetitive overhead activities, especially
involving the supraspinatus muscle.
2. Axillary Nerve Injury: May result from shoulder dislocations, causing deltoid
paralysis and loss of arm abduction.
3. Biceps Tendon Ruptures: Often lead to a “Popeye” deformity, especially in the
long head of the biceps.
4. Radial Nerve Palsy: Results in wrist drop due to compromised posterior
compartment function.
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Conclusion
Understanding the shoulder and arm muscles is essential for comprehending their role in
movement and diagnosing related injuries. These muscles work in harmony to provide
strength, stability, and flexibility to the upper limb.
References
1. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. (2017). Clinically Oriented
Anatomy (8th ed.).
2. Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical
Practice (42nd ed.).
3. Netter, F. H. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.).