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MuscleArmsuperficialBeyond Cert IVDraft

AnconeusMusculus anconeus

Small triangular muscle at the back of the elbow that helps the triceps straighten the elbow and steadies the joint.

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LatinMusculus anconeus
Origin
  • Back of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (by its own tendon)
Insertion
  • Lateral side of the olecranon
  • Upper quarter of the back of the ulna
Action
  • Assists the triceps in extending the elbow
  • Stabilises the elbow during pronation and supination
  • Pulls the joint capsule out of the way during elbow extension
NerveRadial nerve (nerve to anconeus) (C7–C8)
NameGreek ankon, 'elbow'.

Palpation

  1. Client prone with the arm hanging off the table, or supine with the elbow bent and the forearm across the body.
  2. Find the lateral epicondyle and the olecranon; anconeus fills the small triangle between them.
  3. Place one finger in this triangle, just below and between the two bony points.
  4. Ask the client to straighten the elbow against light resistance; feel the small muscle firm up.

Landmarks: Lateral epicondyle of humerus · Olecranon

Anconeus is a small muscle that almost blends with the lower edge of Triceps brachii. It fills the triangle between the Lateral epicondyle of humerus and the Olecranon, and helps steady the elbow when the forearm turns.

Because it sits right next to the common extensor tendon on the lateral epicondyle, it is often included when working the outer elbow in clients who grip or use tools a lot. Sources differ on its nerve roots: Wikipedia’s infobox gives C5–T1 (the whole radial nerve), while the article text gives C7–C8 for the branch to this muscle.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Anconeus muscle
  2. Wikipedia: Radial nerve