Pronator Teres

The pronator teres is a muscle located mainly in the forearm that, along with the pronator quadratus, serves to pronate the forearm. This means turning the forearm, so the palm faces downward.

Anatomy of the Pronator Teres Muscle

The pronator teres has two heads: humeral and ulnar.

The humeral head, the larger and more superficial, arises immediately above the medial epicondyle of the humerus and from the common flexor tendon.

The ulnar head on the other hand, is a thin fasciculus, which arises from the medial side of the coronoid process of the ulna, and joins the preceding at an acute angle.

The muscle passes obliquely across the forearm, and ends in a flat tendon, which is inserted into a rough impression at the middle of the lateral surface of the body of the radius, just below the insertion of the supinator.

The lateral border of the muscle forms the medial boundary of triangular hollow known as the cubital fossa, which is situated in front of the elbow-joint.

The median nerve enters the forearm between the two heads of the muscle, and is separated from the ulnar artery by the ulnar head.

Functions of the Pronator Teres Muscle

The pronator teres muscle is used to pronation of forearm and it also flexes elbow. You will normally use the muscle when turning a corkscrew.

One of the more common conditions with the muscle is pronator teres syndrome which is a common cause of wrist pain.

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