"

7.9 Chapter Resources: Movements by Muscle

Chapter Resources: Movements By Muscle Groups[1] 

Head

Table 7.3e. Movements of the Muscles That Move the Head[2]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Rotates and tilts head to the side; tilts head forward Skull; vertebrae Individually: rotates head to opposite side, lateral flexion; bilaterally: flexion Sternocleidomastoid Sternum; clavicle Temporal bone (mastoid process)
Rotates and tilts head backward Skull; vertebrae Individually: laterally flexes and rotates head to same side; bilaterally: extension Semispinalis capitis Transverse and articular processes of cervical and thoracic vertebra Occipital bone
Rotates and tilts head to the side; tilts head backward Skull; vertebrae Individually: laterally flexes and rotates head to same side; bilaterally: extension Splenius capitis Spinous processes of cervical and thoracic vertebra Temporal bone (mastoid process); occipital bone
Rotates and tilts head to the side; tilts head backward Skull; vertebrae Individually: laterally flexes and rotates head to same side; bilaterally: extension Longissimus capitis Transverse and articular processes of cervical and thoracic vertebra Temporal bone (mastoid process)

Abdomen

Table 7.3f. Movements of the Abdominal Muscles[3]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Twisting at waist and bending to the side, bending forward at the waist Vertebral column Flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation of vertebral column External obliques; internal obliques Ilium; ribs 5–12 Ribs 7–10; linea alba; ilium
Squeezing abdomen during forceful exhalations, defecation, urination, and childbirth Abdominal cavity Compression Transversus abdominis Ilium; ribs 5–10 Sternum; linea alba; pubis
bending forward at the waist Vertebral column Flexion Rectus abdominis Pubis Sternum; ribs 5 and 7
Bending to the side Vertebral column Lateral flexion Quadratus lumborum Ilium; ribs 5–10 Rib 12; vertebrae L1–L4

Thorax (Chest)

Table 7.3g. Movements of the Thoracic Muscles[4]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Inhalation; exhalation Thoracic cavity Compression; expansion Diaphragm Sternum; ribs 6–12; lumbar vertebrae Central tendon
Inhalation; exhalation Ribs Elevation of rib cage (expands thoracic cavity) External intercostals Rib superior to each intercostal muscle Rib inferior to each intercostal muscle
Forced exhalation Ribs Depression of rib cage Internal intercostals Rib inferior to each intercostal muscle Rib superior to each intercostal muscle

Pectoral Girdle

Table 7.3h. Muscles That Position the Pectoral Girdle[5]

Position in the Thorax
Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Anterior thorax Stabilizes clavicle during movement by depressing it Clavicle Depression Subclavius First rib Inferior surface of clavicle
Anterior thorax Rotates shoulder anteriorly (throwing motion); assists with inhalation Scapula; ribs Scapula: depresses; ribs: elevates Pectoralis minor Anterior surfaces of certain ribs (2–4 or 3–5) Coracoid process of scapula
Anterior thorax Moves arm from side of body to front of body; assists with inhalation Scapula; ribs Scapula: protracts; ribs: elevates Serratus anterior Ribs (1–8 or 1–9) Anterior surface of vertebral border of scapula
Posterior thorax Elevates shoulders (shrugging); pulls shoulder blades together; tilts head backwards Scapula; cervical spine Scapula: rotates superiorly, retracts, elevates, and depresses; spine: extends Trapezius Skull; vertebral column Acromion and spine of scapula; clavicle
Posterior thorax Stabilizes scapula during pectoral girdle movement Scapula Retracts; rotates inferiorly Rhomboid major Thoracic vertebrae (T2–T5) Medial border of scapula
Posterior thorax Stabilizes scapula during pectoral girdle movement Scapula Retracts; rotates inferiorly Rhomboid minor Cervical and thoracic vertebrae (C7 and T1) Medial border of scapula

Humerus

Table 7.3i. Movements of the Axial Muscles and Scapular Muscles[6]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Axial muscles
Brings elbows together; moves elbows up (as during an uppercut punch) Humerus Flexion; adduction; medial rotation Pectoralis major Clavicle; sternum; cartilage of certain ribs (1-6 or 1-7); aponeurosis of external oblique muscle Greater tubercle of humerus
Moves elbows back (as in elbowing someone standing behind you); spreads elbows apart Humerus scapula Humerus: extension, adduction, and medial rotation; scapula: depression Latissimus dorsi Thoracic vertebae (T7-T12); lumbar vertebrae; lower ribs (9-12); iliac crest Intertubercular sulcus of humerus
Scapular muscles
Lifts arms at shoulder Humerus Abduction; flexion; extension; medial and lateral rotation Deltoid Trapezius; clavicle; acromion; spine of scapula Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
Assists pectoralis major in bringing elbows together and stabilizes should joint during movement of the pectoral girdle Humerus Medial rotation Subscapularis Subscapular fossa of scapula Lesser tubercle of humerus
Rotates elbow outwards, as during a tennis swing Humerus Abduction Subscapularis Subscapular fossa of scapula Greater tubercle of humerus
Rotates elbow outwards, as during a tennis swing Humerus Extension; abduction Infraspinatus Infraspinous fossa of scapula Greater tubercle of humerus
Assists with medial rotation at the shoulder Humerus Extension; abduction Teres major Posterior surface of the scapula Intertubercular sulcus of humerus
Assists infraspinatus in rotating elbow outwards Humerus Extension; abduction Teres minor Lateral border of dorsal scapular surface Greater tubercle of humerus
Moves elbow up and across body, as when putting hand on chest Humerus Flexion; abduction Coracobra chialis Coracoid process of scapula Medial surface of humerus shaft

Forearm

Table 7.3j. Movements of the Forearm Muscles[7]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Anterior muscles (flexion)
Performs a bicep curl; also allows palm of hand to point toward body while flexing Forearm Flexion; supination Biceps brachii Coracoid process; tubercle above glenoid cavity Radial tuberosity
Forearm Flexion Brachialis Front of distal humerus Coronoid process of ulna
Assists and stabilizes elbow during bicep-curl motion Forearm Flexion Brachioradialis Lateral supracondylar ridge at distal end of humerus Base of styloid process of radius
Posterior muscles (extension)
Extends forearm, as during a punch Forearm Extension Triceps Brachii Infraglenoid tubercle of scapula; posterior shaft of humerus; posterior humeral shaft distal to radial groove Olecranon process of ulna
Assists in extending forearm; also allows forearm to extend away from body Forearm Extension; abduction Anconeus Lateral epicondyle of humerus Lateral aspect of olecranon process of ulna
Anterior muscles (pronation)
Turns hand palm-down Forearm Pronation Pronator teres Medial epicondyle of humerus; coronoid process of ulna Lateral radius
Assists in turning hand palm-down Forearm Pronation Pronator quadratus Distal portion of anterior ulnar shaft Distal surface of anterior radius
Posterior muscles (supination)
Turns hand palm-up Forearm Supination Supinator Lateral epicondyle of humerus; proximal ulna Proximal end of radius

Hand

Table 7.3k. Movements of the Muscles That Move the Wrists, Hands, and Forearm[8]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Superficial anterior compartment of forearm
Bends wrist toward body; tilts hand to side away from body Wrist; hand Flexion; abduction Flexor carpi radialis Medial epicondyle of humerus Base of second and third metacarpals
Assists in bending hand up toward shoulder Wrist Flexion Palmaris longus Medial epicondyle of humerus Palmar aponeurosis; skin and fascia of palm
Assists in bending hand up toward shoulder; tilts hand to side away from body; stabilizes wrist Wrist; hand Flexion, adduction Flexor carpi ulnaris Medial epicondyle of humerus Pisiform, hamate bones, and base of fifth metacarpal
Bends fingers to make a fist Wrist; fingers 2-5 Flexion Flexor digitorum superficialis Medial epicondyle of humerus Middle phalanges of finger 2-5
Deep anterior compartment of forearm
Bends tip of thumb Thumb Flexion Flexor pollicis longus Anterior surface of radius; interosseous membrane Distal phalanx of thumb
Bends fingers to make a fist; also bends wrist toward body Wrist; fingers Flexion Flexor digitorum profundus Coronoid process; anteromedial surface of ulna; interosseous membrane Distal phalanges of fingers 2- 5
Superficial posterior compartment of forearm
Straightens wrist away from body; tilts hand to side away from body Wrist Extension; abduction Extensor radialis longus Lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus Base of second metacarpal
Assists extensor radialis longus in extending and abducting wrist; also stabilizes hand during finger flexion Wrist Extension; abduction Extensor carpi radialis brevis Lateral epicondyle of humerus Base of third metacarpal
Opens fingers and moves them sideways away from the body Wrist Extension; abduction Extensor digitorum Lateral epicondyle of humerus Extensor expansions; distal phalanges of fingers
Extends little finger Little finger Extension; Extensor digiti minimi Lateral epicondyle of humerus Extensor expansions;
distal phalanx of
finger 5
Straightens wrist away from body; tilts hand to side toward body Wrist Extension; adduction Extensor carpi ulnaris Lateral epicondyle of humerus; posterior border of ulna Base of fifth metacarpal
Deep posterior compartment of forearm
Moves thumb sideways toward body; extends thumb; moves hand sideways toward body Wrist; thumb Thumb: abduction, extension; wrist: abduction Abductor pollicis longus Posterior surface of radius and ulna; interosseous membrane Base of first metacarpal; trapezium
Extends thumb Thumb Extension Extensor pollicis brevis Dorsal shaft of radius and ulna; interosseous membrane Base of proximal phalanx of thumb
Extends thumb Thumb Extension Extensor pollicis longus Dorsal shaft of radius and ulna; interosseous membrane Base of distal phalanx of thumb
Extends index finger; straightens wrist away from body Wrist; index finger Extension Extensor indicis Posterior surface of distal ulna; interosseous membrane Tendon of extensor digitorum of index finger

Table 7.3. Movements of the Muscles of the Hand[9]

Muscle
Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Thenar muscles Moves thumb toward body Thumb Abduction Abductor pollicis brevis Flexor retinaculum; and nearby carpals Lateral base of proximal phalanx of thumb
Thenar muscles Moves thumb across palm to touch other fingers Thumb Opposition Opponens pollicis Flexor retinaculum; trapezium Anterior of first metacarpal
Thenar muscles Flexes thumb Thumb Flexion Flexor pollicis brevis Flexor retinaculum; trapezium Lateral base of proximal phalanx of thumb
Thenar muscles Moves thumb away from body Thumb Adduction Adductor pollicis Capitate bone; bases of metacarpals 2–4; front of metacarpal 3 Medial base of proximal phalanx of thumb
Hypothenar muscles Moves little finger toward body Little finger Abduction Abductor digiti minimi Pisiform bone Medial side of proximal phalanx of little finger
Hypothenar muscles Flexes little finger Little finger Flexion Flexor digiti minimi brevis Hamate bone; flexor retinaculum Medial side of proximal phalanx of little finger
Hypothenar muscles Moves little finger across palm to touch thumb Little finger Opposition Opponens digiti minimi Hamate bone; flexor retinaculum Medial side of fifth metacarpal
Intermediate muscles Flexes each finger at metacarpo-phalangeal joints; extends each finger at interphalangeal joints Fingers Flexion Lumbricals Palm (lateral sides of tendons in flexor digitorum profundus) Fingers 2–5 (lateral edges of extensional expansions on first phalanges)
Intermediate muscles Adducts and flexes each finger at metacarpo-phalangeal joints; extends each finger at interphalangeal joints Fingers Adduction; flexion; extension Palmar interossei Side of each metacarpal that faces metacarpal 3 (absent from metacarpal 3) Extensor expansion on first phalanx of each finger (except finger 3) on side facing finger 3
Intermediate muscles Abducts and flexes the three middle fingers at metacarpo-phalangeal joints; extends the three middle fingers at interphalangeal joints Fingers Abduction; flexion; extension Dorsal interossei Sides of metacarpals Both sides of finger 3; for each other finger, extensor expansion over first phalanx on side opposite finger 3

Thigh

Table 7.3m. Movements of the Gluteal Muscles That Move the Femur[10]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
lliopsoas group
Raises knee at hip, as if performing a knee attack; assists lateral rotators in twisting thigh (and lower leg) outward; assists with bending
over, maintaining posture
Femur Thigh: flexion and lateral rotation; torso: flexion Psoas maior Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5); thoracic vertebra (T12) Lesser trochanter of femur
Raises knee at hip, as if performing a knee attack; assists lateral rotators in twisting thigh (and lower leg) outward; assists with bending
over, maintaining posture
Femur Thigh: flexion and lateral rotation; torso: flexion lliacus Iliac Iossa; iliac crest; lateral sacrum Lesser trochanter of femur
Gluteal group
Lowers knee and moves thigh back, as when getting ready to kick a ball Femur Extension Gluteus maximus Dorsal ilium; sacrum; coccyx Gluteal tuberosity of femur; iliotibial tract
Opens thighs, as when doing a split Femur Abduction Gluteus medius Lateral surface of ilium Greater trochanter of femur
Brings the thighs back together Femur Abduction Gluteus minimus External surface of ilium Greater trochanter of femur
Assists with raising knee at hip and opening thighs; maintains posture by stabilizing the iliotibial track, which connects to the knee Femur Flexion; abduction Tensor fascia lata Anterior aspect of iliac crest; anterior superior iliac spine lliotibial tract
Lateral rotators
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Piriformis Anterolateral surface of sacrum Greater trochanter of femur
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Obutrator intern us Inner surface of obturator membrane; greater sciatic notch;
margins of obturator
foramen
Greater trochanter in front of piriformis
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Obturator extern us Outer surfaces of obturator membrane, pubic, and ischium;
margins of obturator
foramen
Trochanteric Iossa of posterior femur
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Superior gemellus tschial spine Greater trochanter of femur
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Inferior gemellus lschial tuberosity Greater trochanter of femur
Twists thigh (and lower leg) outward; maintains posture by stabilizing hip joint Femur Lateral rotation Quadratus femoris lschial tuberosity Trochanteric crest of femur
Adductors
Brings the thighs back together; assists with raising the knee Femur Adduction; flexion Adductor longus Pubis near pubic symphysis Linea aspera
Brings the thighs back together; assists with raising the knee Femur Adduction; flexion Adductor brevis Body of pubis; inferior ramus of pubis Linea aspera above adductor longus
Brings the thighs back together; assists with raising the knee Femur Adduction; flexion; extension Adductor magnus lschial rami; pubic rami; ischial tuberosity Linea aspera adductor tubercle of femur
Brings the thighs back together; assists with raising the knee Femur Adduction; flexion; medial rotation Pectineus Pectineal line of pubis Lesser trochanter to linea aspera of posterior aspect of femur

Table 7.3n. Movements of the Thigh Muscles That Move the Femur, Tibia, and Fibula[11]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Medial compartment of thigh
Moves back of lower legs up toward buttocks, as when kneeling; assists in opening thighs Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia/fibula: flexion; thigh: abduction Gracilis Inferior ramus; body of pubis; ischial ramus Medial surface of tibia
Anterior compartment of thigh: Quadriceps femoris group
Moves lower leg out in front of body, as when kicking; assists in raising the knee Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia/fibula: extension; thigh: flexion Rectus femoris Anterior inferior iliac spine; superior margin of acetabulum Patella; tibial tuberosity
Moves lower leg out in front of body, as when kicking Tibia/fibula Extension Vastus lateralis Greater trochanter; intertrochanteric line; linea aspera Patella; tibial tuberosity
Moves lower leg out in front of body, as when kicking Tibia/fibula Extension Vastus medialis Linea aspera; intertrochanteric line Patella; tibial tuberosity
Moves lower leg out in front of body, as when kicking Tibia/fibula Extension Vastus intermedius Proximal lemur shaft Patella; tibial tuberosity
Moves back of lower legs up toward buttocks, as when kneeling; assists in moving thigh diagonally upward and outward as when mounting a bike Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia: flexion; thigh: flexion, abduction, lateral rotation Sartorius Anterior superior iliac spine Medial aspect of proximal tibia
Posterior compartment of thigh: Hamstring group
Moves back of lower legs up and back towards the buttocks, as when kneeling; moves thigh down and back; twists the thigh (and lower leg) outward Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia: flexion; thigh: extension, lateral rotation Biceps femoris lschial tuberosity; linea aspera; distal femur Head of fibula; lateral condyle of tibia
Moves back of lower legs up towards the buttocks, as when kneeling; moves thigh down and back; twists the thigh (and lower leg) inward Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia: flexion; thigh: extension, medial rotation Semitendinosus lschial tuberosity Upper tibial shaft
Moves back of lower legs up and back towards the buttocks, as when kneeling; moves thigh down and back; twists the thigh (and lower leg) inward Femur; tibia/fibula Tibia: flexion; thigh: flexion, medial rotation Semimembranosus lschial tuberosity Medial condyle of tibia; lateral condyle of femur

Feet and Toes

Table 7.3o. Movement of the Muscles That Move the Feet and Toes[12]

Movement
Target
Target Motion Direction
Prime Mover
Origin
Insertion
Dorsal group
Extends toes 2-5 Toes 2-5 Extension Extensor digitorum brevis Calcaneus; extensor retinaculum Base of proximal phalanx of big toe; extensor expansions on toes 2-5
Plantar group (Layer 1)
Abducts and flexes big toe Big toe Adduction; flexion Abductor hallucis Calcaneus tuberosity; flexor retinaculum Proximal phalanx of big toe
Flexes toes 2-4 Middle toes Flexion Flexor digitorum brevis Calcaneus tuberosity Middle phalanx of toes 2-4
Abducts and flexes small toe Toe 5 Abduction; flexion Abductor digiti minimi Calcaneus tuberosity Proximal phalanx of little toe
Plantar group (Layer 2)
Assists in flexing toes 2-5 Toes 2-5 Flexion Quadratus plantae Medial and lateral sides of calcaneus Tendon of flexor digitorum longus
Extends toes 2-5 at the interphalangeal joints; flexes the small toes at the
metatarsophalangeal
joints
Toes 2-5 Extension; flexion Lumbricals Tendons of flexor digitorum longus Medial side of proximal phalanx of toes 2-5
Plantar group (Layer 3)
Flexes big toe Big toe Flexion Flexer hallucis brevis Lateral cuneiform; cuboid bones Base of proximal phalanx of big toe
Adducts and flexes big toe Big toe Adduction; flexion Abductor hallucis Bases of metatarsals 2-4; fibularis longus tendon sheath; ligament across
metatarsophalangeal
joints
Base of proximal phalanx of big toe
Flexes small toe Little toe Flexion Flexor digiti minimi brevis Base of metatarsal 5; tendon sheath of fibularis longus Base of proximal phalanx of little toe
Plantar group (Layer 4)
Abducts and flexes middles toes at metatarsophalangeal joints; extends middle toes at interphalangeal joints Middle toes Abduction; flexion; extension Dorsal interossei Sides of metatarsals Both sides of toe 2; for each other toe, extensor expansion over first phalanx on side opposite toe 2
Abducts toes 3-5; flexes proximal phalanges and extends distal phalanges Small toes Abduction; flexion; extension Plantar interossei Sides of each metatarsal that faces metatarsal 2 (absent from metatarsal 2) Extensor expansion on first phalanx of each toe (except to 2) on side facing toe 2

  1. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  2. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  3. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  4. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  5. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  6. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  7. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  8. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  9. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  10. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  11. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  12. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

General Anatomy & Physiology Copyright © 2025 by WisTech Open is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.