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Human Muscle Origins, Insertions, and Functions

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  • Origin and insertion of the zygomaticus major
    Originates from the zygomatic bone and inserts into the skin at the corner of the mouth. It elevates the corner of the mouth for smiling.
  • Origin and insertion of the masseter
    Originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts on the mandible's angle. It elevates the mandible to close the jaw.
  • Origin and insertion of the sternocleidomastoid

    Originates from the anterior surface of sternum and upper surface of clavicle, inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone. It flexes and rotates the head.

  • Origin and insertion of the trapezius

    Originates from the occipital bone and spines of cervicle & thoracic vertebrae, inserts on the clavicle and spine & acromian process of scapula. It moves the scapula and supports the arm.

  • Origin and insertion of the pectoralis major

    Originates from the clavicle, sternum, and upper ribs; inserts on the intertubercular groove of humerus. It adducts and medially rotates the arm.

  • Origin and insertion of the latissimus dorsi

    Originates on spines of scral, lumbar, & lower thoracic vertebrae; inserts on intertubercular groove of humerus. It extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.

  • Origin and insertion of the deltoid

    Originates from the clavicle and acromion process of spine of scapula; inserts on deltoid tuberosity of humerus. It abducts, flexes, and extends the arm.

  • Origin and insertion of the biceps brachii

    Originates from coracoid process & supraglenoid tubercle of scapula; inserts on radial tuberosity of radius. It flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm.

  • Origin and insertion of the triceps brachii

    Originates from infraglenoid tubercle of scapula & lateral & medial humerus; inserts on olecranon process of ulna. It extends the elbow.

  • Origin and insertion of the gluteus maximus

    Originates from sacrum, coccyx & posterior surface of ilium; inserts on posterior surface of femur. It extends and laterally rotates the hip.

  • Origin and insertion of the biceps femoris

    Originates from the ischial tuberosity and linea aspera of femur; inserts on head of fibula & lateral condyle of tibia. It flexes the knee and extends the hip.

  • Origin and insertion of the rectus femoris

    Originates from anterior inferior iliac spine & margin of acetabulum; inserts on patella by common tendon. It extends the knee and flexes the hip.

  • Origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius

    Originates from lateral & medial condyles of femur; inserts on posterior calcaneal via the Achilles tendon. It plantarflexes the foot and flexes the knee.

  • Muscles of the head, face, and neck include
    Temporalis, masseter, epicranius, orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus major, orbicularis oris, buccinator, platysma, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis.
  • Muscles of the shoulder include
    Deltoid, teres minor, supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus.
  • Muscles of the back include
    Rhomboid major and minor, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, teres major, levator scapulae.
  • Muscles of the thorax include
    Pectoralis major and minor, serratus anterior, intercostals.
  • Muscles of the upper arm include
    Triceps brachii, brachialis, biceps brachii, coracobrachialis.
  • Muscles of the forearm include
    Pronator teres, extensor carpi radialis longus, brachioradialis, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum, palmaris longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, supinator.
  • Muscles of the abdomen include
    Rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominis, internal oblique.
  • Muscles of the hip include
    Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis.
  • Muscles of the pelvis and thigh include
    Iliopsoas (iliacus + psoas major), pectineus, tensor fascia latae, gracilis, adductor magnus, iliotibial tract, sartorius, adductor longus.
  • Hamstring muscles include
    Biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus.
  • Quadriceps muscles include
    Vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis.
  • Muscles of the lower leg include
    Fibularis longus, extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, soleus, calcaneal (Achilles) tendon.
  • Muscle of the lower foot listed
    Abductor hallucis.