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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Anterior Scalene Muscle
    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle
    The abductor digiti minimi muscle is a hypothenar muscle that abducts and flexes the little finger, aiding grip and precision in hand movements.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Levator Ani
    Pelvic floor muscle responsible for lifting the anus.
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.

    Biceps Tendon

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.

    1. Overview

    The biceps tendon refers to the fibrous connective tissue that attaches the biceps brachii muscle to bone at both the shoulder and the elbow. It consists of two proximal tendons—the long head and short head—and one distal tendon. These tendons transmit muscular force, enabling powerful flexion and supination of the forearm, and contribute to shoulder stabilization. Biceps tendon injuries are common and often involve overuse or trauma, especially in athletes and manual laborers.

    2. Location

    The biceps tendon is found in both the shoulder (proximal) and elbow (distal) regions:

    • Long head tendon: Originates from the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, passes through the glenohumeral joint, and descends in the intertubercular (bicipital) groove of the humerus.

    • Short head tendon: Originates from the coracoid process of the scapula.

    • Distal tendon: Inserts into the radial tuberosity and gives rise to the bicipital aponeurosis, which blends into the deep fascia of the forearm.

    3. Structure

    The biceps tendons are composed of dense regular connective tissue rich in type I collagen, providing tensile strength and elasticity:

    • Proximal tendons:

      • The long head is intracapsular but extrasynovial, encased in a synovial sheath as it runs through the shoulder joint.

      • The short head is extra-articular and more direct in its path to the coracoid process.

    • Distal tendon:

      • Forms a thick, round cord inserting onto the radial tuberosity and the bicipital aponeurosis, distributing force into the forearm fascia.

    • Innervation: The muscle and tendon are functionally connected via the musculocutaneous nerve (C5–C7).

    4. Function

    The biceps tendons play a crucial role in transferring force generated by the biceps brachii muscle:

    • Forearm supination: The distal tendon enables supination of the forearm, especially when the elbow is flexed.

    • Elbow flexion: Assists in lifting and bending the elbow.

    • Shoulder flexion: Both proximal tendons contribute to raising the arm at the shoulder joint.

    • Shoulder stabilization: The long head tendon helps stabilize the humeral head within the glenoid fossa during upper limb motion.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Beyond basic movement, biceps tendons are essential for:

    • Dynamic joint control: Stabilize both the glenohumeral joint (via the long head) and elbow joint during motion.

    • Proprioception: Contain sensory receptors that provide information on joint position and muscular tension.

    • Load distribution: The distal tendon and aponeurosis distribute muscular forces efficiently across the elbow and forearm.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Biceps tendon disorders are common and can significantly affect upper limb function:

    • Biceps tendinitis:

      • Inflammation of the long head tendon due to overuse, impingement, or degeneration. Common in overhead athletes.

    • Tendon rupture:

      • Proximal rupture: Typically involves the long head; presents as a “Popeye” deformity and may not severely affect strength.

      • Distal rupture: Less common but more functionally debilitating; significantly reduces supination strength and usually requires surgical repair.

    • Tendon subluxation:

      • The long head tendon may dislocate from the bicipital groove if the transverse humeral ligament is torn, leading to shoulder pain and snapping.

    • Degenerative changes:

      • Common with aging and repetitive activity; may lead to partial tears or attritional failure of the tendon.

    • Surgical interventions:

      • Tenotomy: Simple release of the long head tendon; may cause cosmetic deformity but relieves pain.

      • Tenodesis: Reattachment of the tendon to the humerus to preserve contour and function; preferred in active individuals.

    Did you know? Tendons attach muscles to bones.