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The brachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that is responsible for elbow flexion, or the movement that allows the forearm to move closer to the body. It is the only pure flexor of the elbow joint, producing the majority of force during elbow flexion. The brachialis is located in the anterior compartment of the arm, deep to the biceps brachii. The muscle is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve, and it may also receive additional innervation from the radial nerve. The brachialis muscle can be injured by repetitive forceful contractions or muscular contractions with the arm in hyperextension.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Anterior compartment of the arm |
| Anterior surface of the shaft of the humerus | |
| Beneath the biceps brachii | |
| Inferior portion of the humerus bone | |
| Function | Elbow flexion |
| Forearm flexion | |
| Forms part of the floor of the cubital fossa | |
| Prime mover of elbow flexion | |
| Innervation | Musculocutaneous nerve |
| Radial nerve | |
| Blood supply | Brachial artery |
| Radial recurrent artery | |
| Ulnar collateral arteries | |
| Tendons | Inserts onto the tuberosity of ulna |
| Inserts onto a rough depression on the anterior surface of the coronoid process of the ulna |
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What You'll Learn
The brachialis is the primary flexor of the elbow
The brachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that is responsible for elbow flexion, or the movement that allows the forearm to move closer to the body. It is the prime flexor of the elbow, generating about 50% more power than the biceps. This muscle is located in the anterior or lower anterior compartment of the arm, deep to or beneath the biceps brachii.
The brachialis is also known as the workhorse of the elbow, as it is the only pure flexor of the elbow joint, producing the majority of force during elbow flexion. It is not affected by pronation or supination of the forearm, and does not participate in pronation and supination due to its lack of attachment to the radius. The brachialis steadies controlled extension of the elbow joint by relaxing at an even pace, which is useful for precision movements such as carefully lowering a teacup onto a flat surface.
The brachialis muscle is fusiform in shape, with its broadest part located in the middle rather than at either of its extremities. It is sometimes divided into two parts and may fuse with the fibres of the biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, pronator teres, or other muscles. The muscle fibres of the brachialis converge to form a thick tendon, which connects the muscle to the humerus at one end and the ulna, a bone in the forearm, at the other.
The brachialis is commonly injured by repetitive forceful contractions or muscular contractions with the arm in hyperextension. This is often seen in climbers due to the pronation of the hand and extended starting position. Physical activities that involve a lot of pull-ups, curls, and rope climbing can also cause brachialis muscle pain.
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It is located in the anterior compartment of the arm
The brachialis muscle is located in the anterior (flexor) compartment of the arm, specifically in the lower anterior compartment of the upper arm. It is situated deep to the biceps brachii muscle and at the inferior portion of the humerus bone, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow. The biceps brachii muscle is located immediately anterior to the brachialis, as are the brachial vessels, the musculocutaneous, and median nerves. The humerus and the capsule of the elbow joint lie posterior to the muscle.
Medially, the brachialis is separated from the triceps brachii and the ulnar nerve by the medial intermuscular septum and pronator teres. The muscle fibres of the brachialis converge distally to form the brachialis tendon, which connects the muscle to the humerus at one end and the ulna, a bone in the forearm, at the other. The tendon inserts onto the tuberosity of the ulna and onto a rough depression on the anterior surface of the coronoid process of the ulna, passing between two slips of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
The brachialis is the prime mover of elbow flexion, generating about 50% more power than the biceps. It is the only pure flexor of the elbow joint, producing the majority of force during elbow flexion. The brachialis is also involved in forearm flexion at the elbow joint. It is not affected by pronation or supination of the forearm and does not participate in pronation and supination due to its lack of attachment to the radius.
The brachialis muscle is innervated medially by the musculocutaneous nerve and laterally by the radial nerve. In 70-80% of people, the muscle has double innervation with the radial nerve. The brachialis is supplied by muscular branches of the brachial artery and the recurrent radial artery, with occasional contributions from the ulnar collateral arteries.
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The brachialis is commonly injured by repetitive forceful contractions
The brachialis is a muscle located in the upper arm that originates from the distal half of the anterior surface of the humerus and inserts on the coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna. It is one of the most important muscles for elbow flexion, and it is crucial in performing many daily activities and sports that require elbow movement. Due to its function and location, the brachialis is particularly susceptible to injury caused by repetitive forceful contractions.
Athletes and individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive elbow movements, such as throwing, swimming, or weightlifting, are at a higher risk of developing brachialis injuries. Overhead athletes, such as baseball pitchers or volleyball players, are especially vulnerable due to the high velocity and force required in their elbow joints during overhead motions. The repetitive nature of these activities can lead to excessive wear and tear on the brachialis muscle-tendon unit, leading to inflammation, microtrauma, and eventual injury.
Repetitive forceful contractions of the brachialis can result in a range of injuries, from tendinopathies to muscle strains and tears. One common injury is brachialis tendinopathy, often presenting as medial elbow pain that worsens with resisted wrist flexion or forceful gripping activities. This tends to occur in athletes who repeatedly exert high forces on their elbows, such as weightlifters or gymnasts performing repeated high-force contractions of the brachialis during pulling or swinging movements.
Another potential injury is a strain or tear of the brachialis muscle belly. This can happen when the muscle is contracted forcefully and eccentrically during activities that involve rapid elbow extensions, such as throwing a ball or cocking the elbow back for a punch. The excessive stretching and subsequent recoil of the muscle fibers during these actions can lead to microtears or, in more severe cases, complete ruptures of the brachialis muscle.
To prevent injuries to the brachialis, it is important to practice proper technique and maintain a balanced strength training program that targets all the muscles surrounding the elbow joint. Gradual progression in training intensity and volume can help avoid overloading the muscle too quickly. Additionally, incorporating adequate recovery time and cross-training activities can reduce the risk of injury from repetitive motions.
In conclusion, the brachialis muscle is prone to injury, especially in individuals who perform repetitive forceful contractions of the elbow joint. Understanding the mechanisms of these injuries can help guide prevention strategies and appropriate rehabilitation protocols to ensure a safe return to activity and reduce the risk of future injuries.
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It is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve
The brachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that flexes the elbow. It is located in the anterior (flexor) compartment of the arm, deep to the biceps brachii. The brachialis is the only pure flexor of the elbow joint, producing the majority of force during elbow flexion. It is also involved in forearm flexion at the elbow joint.
The brachialis muscle is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (C5-C6), which runs on its superficial surface, between it and the biceps brachii. The musculocutaneous nerve provides the majority of the motor supply to the brachialis. However, in 70-80% of people, the muscle has dual innervation, with the radial nerve (C7) providing additional innervation laterally. The divide between the two innervations is at the insertion of the deltoid.
The musculocutaneous nerve branches from the fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves (C5-C6). These spinal nerves are part of the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that supply the arm. The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and supplies muscles in the anterior compartment of the arm, including the biceps brachii and the coracobrachialis, in addition to the brachialis.
The radial nerve, which provides additional innervation to the brachialis in many individuals, is a continuation of the deep branch of the axillary nerve. It runs through the radial groove, located laterally to the brachialis muscle, and supplies muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm, including the triceps brachii. The radial nerve also provides sensory innervation to the lateral part of the arm and the posterior part of the forearm.
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The muscle is occasionally doubled
The brachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that flexes the elbow. It is the prime flexor of the elbow and is also referred to as the workhorse of the elbow. The brachialis is the only pure flexor of the elbow joint, producing the majority of force during elbow flexion. It is located in the anterior (flexor) compartment of the arm, deep to the biceps brachii. The muscle is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve, and commonly it also receives additional innervation from the radial nerve.
The brachialis is a broad muscle, with its broadest part located in the middle rather than at either of its extremities. Its fibres extend distally to converge on a strong tendon. The tendon inserts onto the tuberosity of the ulna and onto a rough depression on the anterior surface of the coronoid process of the ulna. The muscle is located on the anterior surface of the shaft of the humerus, deep to the muscle belly of the biceps brachii and distally to its tendon.
The brachialis can be injured by repetitive forceful contractions or muscular contractions with the arm in hyperextension. This is commonly seen in climbers due to the pronation of the hand and the extended starting position. Physical activity that involves a lot of pull-ups, curls, and rope climbing can also cause brachialis muscle pain.
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Frequently asked questions
The brachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that flexes the elbow.
The brachialis is located in the anterior or lower anterior compartment of the upper arm, beneath the biceps brachii.
The brachialis is the primary flexor of the elbow, allowing the forearm to move closer to the body. It is also involved in the flexion of the forearm.
The brachialis muscle is supplied with blood primarily by the brachial artery and the radial recurrent artery. Occasionally, the ulnar collateral arteries may also provide blood to this muscle.
