Triceps Brachii

Diagram of posterior muscles.

The triceps brachii are muscles located in each of the upper-arms of the human body.

Just as the word 'biceps' refers to a muscle that has two heads i.e. two points of origin, the word 'triceps' that forms part of the name of the triceps brachii muscles refers to the fact that these muscles have three heads, that is three points of origin - as listed in the following table. The triceps brachii may therefore be described as a 'three-headed muscle'. It is the only muscle at the back (posterior aspect of) the upper-arm.

Origin, Insertion and Actions of the Triceps Brachii muscles:

Points of Origin: Long head: Medial head:
  • Upper half of the posterior surface of humerus (bone)
Lateral head:
  • Lower half of the posterior surface of humerus (bone)
Point of Insertion:
Actions:
  • Extends the elbow
  • Slight adduction of shoulder
  • Helps to stabilize the shoulder joint

The triceps brachii muscles are labelled on the diagrams of the human anterior muscles and the human posterior muscles.

More about Muscles:

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There are also more pages about the words used to describe muscles (terminology), the anatomy and physiology of muscles, muscular disorders and associated topics. See also books about sports medicine.

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