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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    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.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    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.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    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.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.

    Brachioradialis

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.

    1. Overview

    The brachioradialis is a superficial muscle of the lateral forearm that plays a key role in elbow flexion. Although it anatomically belongs to the posterior (extensor) compartment of the forearm, it acts functionally as a flexor. It is most active when the forearm is in a mid-pronated (neutral) position, such as during a handshake or when lifting with a hammer grip. The brachioradialis is also useful in clinical assessments of the radial nerve through the brachioradialis reflex.

    2. Location

    The brachioradialis is located in the lateral aspect of the forearm, stretching from the arm to the distal forearm:

    • Origin: Lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus, just above the lateral epicondyle.

    • Insertion: Lateral surface of the distal radius, near the styloid process.

    It lies superficially and forms the lateral border of the cubital fossa, visible and palpable when the elbow is flexed against resistance.

    3. Structure

    The brachioradialis has the following structural features:

    • Muscle type: Fusiform (spindle-shaped), with a long belly and narrow distal tendon.

    • Innervation: Radial nerve (C5–C6), despite its role as a flexor (most flexors are innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve).

    • Vascular supply: Receives blood from the radial recurrent artery.

    It does not cross the wrist joint and thus does not contribute to wrist movement.

    4. Function

    The brachioradialis performs the following functions:

    • Primary action: Flexes the elbow, especially when the forearm is in a neutral (midway between pronation and supination) position.

    • Secondary role: Assists in stabilizing the elbow during rapid or forceful flexion.

    • Minimal contribution: Weakly aids in pronation or supination to bring the forearm to the neutral position.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    The brachioradialis is involved in several physiological and functional activities:

    • Functional movements: Important in lifting objects, turning doorknobs, or using tools in a neutral grip.

    • Reflex testing: The brachioradialis reflex (C6) is used in neurological exams to test the integrity of the radial nerve and spinal cord segments.

    • Dynamic stability: Assists with elbow joint stability during fast upper limb motions.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The brachioradialis is involved in a number of clinical conditions and is important in diagnostics:

    • Brachioradialis reflex: A diminished or absent reflex may indicate radial nerve injury or C6 spinal nerve involvement.

    • Overuse injuries: May be strained in individuals who perform repetitive elbow flexion with a neutral grip, such as construction workers or athletes.

    • Radial tunnel syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve near the elbow may affect brachioradialis function, causing pain or weakness.

    • Differential diagnosis: Pain over the lateral forearm may mimic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), but brachioradialis tenderness is more distal.

    Did you know? Bones store minerals like calcium and phosphorus.