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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Ulna
    Forearm bone on the pinky side.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Ball-and-Socket Joints
    e.g., shoulder, hip
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.

    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 sternum is connected to the ribs by cartilage.