Biceps brachii muscle

Muscle infobox
Name = Biceps brachii
Latin = musculus biceps brachii
GraySubject = 124
GrayPage = 443


Caption =
Origin = short head: coracoid process of the scapula. long head: supraglenoid tubercle
Insertion = radial tuberosity
Blood = brachial artery
Nerve = Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–C7)
Action = flexes elbow and supinates forearm
Antagonist = Triceps brachii muscle
MeshName =
MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = m_22
DorlandsSuf = 12548475
In human anatomy, the biceps brachii is a muscle located on the upper arm. The biceps has several functions, the most important being to rotate the forearm (supination) and to flex the elbow.

Terminology

The term "biceps brachii" is a Latin phrase meaning "two-headed [muscle] of the arm", in reference to the fact that the muscle consists of two bundles of muscle, each with its own origin, sharing a common insertion point near the elbow joint.

The proper plural form of the Latin adjective "biceps" is "bicipites", a form not in general English use. Instead, "biceps" is used in both singular and plural (i.e., when referring to both arms). The form "sic|bicep", although common even in professional contexts, is considered incorrect. The error may originate from a mistaken belief that "biceps" is a plural noun (rather than an adjective in the singular), since English typically forms its plurals by the addition of the letter "s" to the end of a noun.

Anatomy

Proximally, the short head of the biceps attaches to (originates from) the coracoid process of the scapula. The tendon of the long head passes into the joint capsule at the head of the humerus, and attaches on the scapula at the supraglenoid tubercle.

Distally, biceps attaches to (inserts into) the radial tuberosity, and because this bone can rotate, the biceps also supinates the forearm. The biceps also connects with the fascia of the medial side of the arm, at the bicipital aponeurosis.

Two additional muscles lie underneath the biceps brachii. These are the coracobrachialis muscle, which like the biceps attaches to the coracoid process of the scapula, and the brachialis muscle which connects to the ulna and the humerus.

Functions

The biceps is tri-articulate, meaning that it works across three joints. The most important of these functions are to supinate the forearm and flex the elbow.

These joints and the associated actions are listed as follows in order of importance [cite book
title = Travell & Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction
chapter = 30: Biceps Brachii Muscle
author = Simons David G., Travell Janet G., Simons Lois S.
publisher = Williams and Wilkins
year = 1999
editor = Eric Johnson
edition = 2^nd
publication-place = Baltimore, Maryland
isbn = 0683083635
pages = 648–659] :

* Proximal radioulnar joint - Contrary to popular belief, the biceps brachii is not the most powerful flexor of the forearm, a role which actually belongs to the deeper brachialis muscle. The biceps brachii functions primarily as a powerful supinator of the forearm (turns the palm upwards). This action, which is aided by the supinator muscle, requires the elbow to be at least partially flexed. If the elbow, or humeroulnar joint, is fully extended, supination is then primarily carried out by the supinator muscle.

* Humeroulnar joint (Elbow) - The biceps brachii also functions an important flexor of the forearm, particularly when the forearm is supinated. Functionally, this action is performed when lifting an object, such as a bag of groceries or when performing a biceps curl. When the forearm is in pronation (the palm faces the ground), the brachialis, brachioradialis, and supinator function to flex the forearm, with minimal contribution from the biceps brachii.

* Glenohumeral joint (Shoulder) - Several weaker functions occur at the glenohumeral, or shoulder, joint. The biceps brachii weakly assists in forward flexion of the shoulder joint (bringing the arm forward and upwards). It may also contribute to abduction (bringing the arm out to the side) when the arm is externally (or laterally) rotated. The short head of the biceps brachii also assists with horizontal adduction (bringing the arm across the body) when the arm is internally (or medially) rotated. Finally, the long head of the biceps brachii, due to its attachment to the scapula (or shoulder blade), assists with stabilization of the shoulder joint when a heavy weight is carried in the arm.

Training

The biceps can be strengthened using weight and resistance training, an example of a well known biceps exercise is the simple biceps curl.

=Additional

ee also

* Biceps reflex

External links

*
*
*
*
*