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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Tibia
    Shin bone, the larger bone in the lower leg.
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Ulna
    Forearm bone on the pinky side.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.

    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? The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones at adulthood, but you are born with approximately 270 bones.