Brachialis

The brachialis (brachialis anticus) is a muscle in the upper arm that flexes the elbow joint. It lies just deep of the biceps brachii, and is a synergist that assists the biceps brachii in flexing at the elbow. It makes up part of the floor of the region known as the cubital fossa.

Anatomy of the Brachialis

The brachialis originates from the lower half of the front of the humerus, near the insertion of the deltoid muscle, which it embraces by two angular processes.

The Brachialis arises from the intermuscular septa of the arm, but more extensively from the medial than the lateral; it is separated from the lateral below by the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles.

Its fibers converge to a thick tendon, which is inserted into the tuberosity of the ulna and the rough depression on the anterior surface of the coronoid process of the ulna.

The brachialis muscle is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve, which runs on its superficial surface, between it and the biceps brachii.

Functions of the Brachialis

The main function of the brachialis is to aid in the flexion of the elbow joint. Flexion refers to the opposite of extension. The brachialis is the strongest flexor of the elbow.

Unlike the biceps, the brachialis does not insert on the radius, and therefore cannot participate in pronation or supination of the forearm.

The best exercise for the brachialis is the biceps curls using a resistance band.

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