Dominic Stone
The triceps, or triceps brachii, is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm in humans and other vertebrates. It is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint and is composed of three heads: the long, lateral, and medial head. The triceps muscle contracts when the elbow is straightened and expands when the elbow is bent. It is the muscle primarily responsible for the extension of the elbow joint and plays a significant role in the stability and strength of the shoulder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Triceps, Triceps Brachii |
| Description | Three-headed muscle of the arm |
| Parts | Medial, Lateral, Long Head |
| Function | Extension of the elbow joint, straightening of the arm |
| Nerve Supply | Radial nerve, Ulnar nerve, Axillary nerve |
| Blood Supply | Branches of the deep brachial artery |
| Injuries | Rare, typically occur in anabolic steroid users |
| Exercises | Tricep dips, cable push-downs, lying tricep extensions |
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What You'll Learn
Triceps brachii anatomy
The triceps brachii is a large, thick muscle on the dorsal part of the upper arm. It often appears in the shape of a horseshoe on the posterior aspect of the arm. The triceps is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint and an antagonist of the biceps and brachialis muscles. It can also fixate the elbow joint when the forearm and hand are used for fine movements, such as writing. The triceps muscle contracts when the elbow is straightened and expands when the elbow is bent.
The triceps brachii is a three-headed muscle, consisting of the medial, lateral, and long head. All three heads cross the elbow joint, while the long head also crosses the shoulder joint. The long head arises from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, which is a rough area at the inferior margin of the glenoid fossa. Its attachment extends slightly above to the adjacent glenoid labrum and blends with the glenohumeral capsule of the shoulder joint, contributing to its stability. The lateral head originates from a narrow, linear ridge on the posterior surface of the humerus, just superior to the radial groove. A portion of the muscle fibres also arise from the lateral intermuscular septum. The medial head arises proximally in the humerus, just inferior to the groove of the radial nerve, from the dorsal (back) surface of the humerus, and from the medial intermuscular septum.
The three heads converge into a single tendon, which attaches to the proximal portion of the olecranon process (the bony prominence of the elbow) located on the upper portion of the ulna. The triceps' primary function is extending the forearm at the elbow joint, which opposes the action of the flexors such as the biceps brachii. The long head also contributes to the extension and adduction of the arm at the shoulder joint. The triceps brachii also plays a role in creating anatomical spaces that are traversed by neurovascular structures, making it an important surgical landmark.
The triceps is supplied with oxygen and nutrients from the branches of the deep brachial artery. The radial nerve (root C6, C7, and C8) provides nerve supply to the triceps, although the medial head may be innervated by the ulnar nerve, and the long head by the axillary nerve. Ruptures of the triceps muscle are rare and typically only occur in anabolic steroid users.
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Triceps heads
The triceps brachii is a three-headed muscle, with long, lateral, and medial heads. The triceps is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint and an antagonist of the biceps and brachialis muscles. It can also fixate the elbow joint when the forearm and hand are used for fine movements, such as writing. The triceps muscle contracts when the elbow is straightened and expands when the elbow is bent. The long head gets a further contraction when the arm is behind the torso.
The long head of the triceps brachii arises from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, which is a rough area at the inferior margin of the glenoid fossa. Its attachment extends slightly above to the adjacent glenoid labrum and blends with the glenohumeral capsule of the shoulder joint, contributing to its stability. Because it attaches to the scapula, the long head not only extends the elbow but also has a small action on the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. With the arm adducted, the triceps muscle acts to hold the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity, helping to prevent any displacement of the humerus. The long head also assists with the extension and adduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.
The lateral head originates from a narrow, linear ridge on the posterior surface of the humerus, just superior to the radial groove. A portion of the muscle fibres also arise from the lateral intermuscular septum. Its attachment ascends obliquely, beginning from the lateral border of the humerus behind the deltoid tuberosity. From here, it extends to the surgical neck of the humerus, medial to the insertion of the teres minor and above the attachment for the medial head of the triceps. The superior portion of the long head of the triceps is covered by the posterior border of the deltoid muscle. The long head of the triceps can be palpated as an elevation parallel and medial to the posterior border of the deltoid muscle when the elbow is extended.
The medial head arises proximally in the humerus, just inferior to the groove of the radial nerve. It also arises from the dorsal (back) surface of the humerus and from the medial intermuscular septum. The medial head does not attach to the scapula and therefore has no action on the glenohumeral joint, whether with stabilization or movement. The medial head is overlapped by the long and lateral head of the triceps.
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Triceps functions
The triceps muscle is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm in humans and other vertebrates. It is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint and is responsible for the extension of the elbow joint and the straightening of the arm. The triceps is also involved in fixing the elbow joint when the forearm and hand are used for fine movements, such as writing. The triceps muscle contracts when the elbow is straightened and expands when the elbow is bent.
The triceps muscle is composed of three heads: the long head, the lateral head, and the medial head. These heads originate from different areas of the scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus (upper arm bone) and converge into a single tendon that attaches to the ulna, one of the bones in the forearm. The long head contributes to the extension and adduction of the arm at the shoulder joint and also acts on the shoulder joint when the arm is behind the torso. The lateral head is involved in forearm extension at the elbow joint, particularly when the forearm is supinated or pronated. The medial head enables more precise, low-force movements and does not attach to the scapula, therefore having no action on the shoulder joint.
The triceps muscle can be targeted through various exercises, including isolation movements such as cable push-downs, lying triceps extensions, and arm extensions behind the back. Compound exercises such as push-ups, bench presses, and tricep dips also engage the triceps, especially when using a closer grip. Static contraction movements like pullovers, straight-arm pull-downs, and bent-over lateral raises can also be performed to build the triceps and supporting muscles.
The triceps muscle is a strong and resilient structure, and injuries are rare, typically occurring only in anabolic steroid users or due to falls or direct blows. Rehabilitation of triceps injuries involves therapeutic exercises and stretches, with movement being an important aspect of healing as it increases blood flow and improves muscle strength and flexibility.
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Triceps exercises
The triceps is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm. It is made up of three parts: the long head, the lateral head, and the medial head. The triceps is responsible for the extension of the elbow joint and works in opposition to the biceps and brachialis muscles.
There are various exercises that target the triceps, helping to build strength and definition in the upper arm. Here are some exercises to target each of the three parts of the triceps:
Long Head
- Standing or seated dumbbell tricep extensions: Begin with a dumbbell overhead, then lower the weight behind your head and extend your arms to isolate the triceps.
- Push-ups: Strengthen the triceps, chest, and shoulders by lowering and raising the body from a standard plank position. Keep your elbows close to your body.
- Bench press: A pressing movement that targets the triceps, especially when using a closer grip.
Lateral Head
- Cable push-downs: An isolation movement that targets the lateral head.
- Pressing movements: Similar to the bench press, but with a closer grip to target the triceps more effectively. Examples include the JM press, close grip bench press, and dips.
Medial Head
- Static contraction movements: These include pullovers, straight-arm pulldowns, and bent-over lateral raises.
- Lying triceps extensions: An isolation movement that targets the medial head.
It is important to maintain proper form and gradually increase intensity to reduce the risk of injury and promote muscle growth. Additionally, incorporating stretches into your workout routine can help improve flexibility and enhance overall muscle function.
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Triceps injuries
The triceps muscle, also known as the triceps brachii, is a large muscle located at the back of the upper arm. It is responsible for extension of the elbow and plays a key role in many common arm movements, such as pushing, throwing, and reaching. The triceps muscle is susceptible to a number of injuries, which can vary in severity and impact.
Triceps strains are a common injury, often occurring when the muscle is overloaded or overstretched. This can happen during activities that involve a lot of pushing or throwing, such as weightlifting, tennis, or baseball. Strains can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including pain, swelling, and bruising. In more severe cases, a popping sensation or sound may be felt or heard at the time of injury. It is important to rest and ice the affected area, and in more severe cases, physical therapy may be required to regain full range of motion and strength.
Another common triceps injury is tendinopathy, which is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon that attaches the triceps muscle to the bone. This can be caused by repetitive motions, improper technique, or overuse. Tendinopathy can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness at the back of the elbow, and may also result in stiffness and a decreased range of motion. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve strength and flexibility, and in some cases, steroid injections may be considered.
More severe triceps injuries can also occur, such as a complete tear of the muscle or tendon. This is often a result of a sudden, forceful movement, and can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising. A complete tear may require surgical repair, followed by a period of rehabilitation to restore function. It is important to seek medical attention for any suspected severe triceps injury to ensure proper treatment and management.
To prevent triceps injuries, it is important to warm up properly before engaging in physical activity, and to use correct form and technique during exercise or sports. Gradually progressing the intensity and duration of activities can also help reduce the risk of injury. Strengthening the triceps muscle and maintaining flexibility can also provide support and stability to the elbow joint, further reducing the risk of injury.
Finally, proper recovery and rest are crucial to allow the triceps muscle to repair and regenerate. This includes adequate sleep, nutrition, and listening to your body's signals to avoid overexertion. By understanding the potential risks and taking preventative measures, individuals can maintain the health and function of their triceps muscles and avoid injuries that may sideline their physical activities.
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Frequently asked questions
The triceps, or triceps brachii, is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm in humans and other vertebrates. It is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint and is responsible for straightening the arm.
The name triceps means "three-headed muscle of the arm" in Latin. The triceps brachii has three parts: the medial, lateral, and long head.
The primary function of the triceps muscle is the extension of the elbow joint, which allows for the straightening of the arm. It also plays a role in shoulder stability and strength, enabling coordinated arm movements.
The triceps muscle consists of three heads: the medial, lateral, and long head. The medial head enables precise, low-force movements, while the lateral head is used for high-intensity force movements. The long head, which crosses the shoulder joint, assists with the extension and adduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.
Tricep dips are a common exercise to strengthen the triceps muscle. Other exercises include cable push-downs, lying triceps extensions, and compound elbow extension movements such as push-ups, bench presses, and dips.
