Muscles of the Upper Limb

Overview

Muscles of the upper limb enable precise movement and coordination for daily activity and fine motor control. This section examines the muscular anatomy from the shoulder to the hand, highlighting how muscle groups work together to achieve motion.

Key Structures

Each regional article outlines the major muscles, their attachments, innervation and function within the pectoral, shoulder, arm, forearm and hand regions. Tables and illustrations help learners organise this information efficiently for study and clinical use.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Knowledge of muscular anatomy supports accurate physical examination and the diagnosis of movement disorders or nerve injuries. The section integrates anatomy with applied function to enhance understanding of biomechanics and rehabilitation.

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Illustration of the sternal and clavicular heads of the pectoralis major muscle.

The Pectoral Region

Illustration of the rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint.

The Shoulder Region

  • The Intrinsic Muscles of the Shoulder
  • The Extrinsic Muscles of the Shoulder
Illustration of the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis muscles in the anterior upper arm.

The Upper Arm

The Anterior Compartment of the Forearm

The Posterior Compartment of the Forearm

Palmar view of the labeled thenar muscles of the thumb, including the abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, and flexor pollicis brevis, along with the recurrent branch of the median nerve.

The Hand

Popular

Lateral view of the neck illustrating the innervation of the stylopharyngeus muscle by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
The Cranial Nerves

The Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

by Olivia Leafe

Encyclopaedia

Palatopharyngeus

by Max Bidewell

Encyclopaedia

Sartorius

by Dr Oliver Jones