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Triceps Brachii

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Original Author(s): Oliver Jones
Last updated: April 19, 2023
Revisions: 7

Original Author(s): Oliver Jones
Last updated: April 19, 2023
Revisions: 7

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The triceps brachii is a muscle in the posterior compartment of the upper arm. It is a large horseshoe-shaped muscle, which forms the majority of the muscle bulk of the upper arm.

  • Attachments: 
    • Long head originates from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.
    • Lateral head originates from the humerus (superior to the radial groove).
    • Medial head originates from the humerus (inferior to the radial groove).
    • Distally, the heads converge into one tendon which inserts onto the olecranon of the ulna.
  • Function: Extension of the arm at the elbow.
  • Blood Supply: Deep bracial (profunda brachii) artery
  • Innervation: Radial nerve

Fig 1 – The long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii.