Quick Facts
Origin: Posterior aspect of lateral epicondyle of humerus.
Insertion: Olecranon; proximal end of body of ulna.
Action: Extends forearm at elbow joint.
Innervation: Radial nerve (C7-C8).
Arterial Supply: Recurrent interosseous artery.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The anconeus muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. This origin site is located superior to the attachment site of the common extensor tendon.
Insertion
The fibers of the anconeus muscle travel inferomedially and insert onto the:
- posterolateral aspect of the olecranon;
- posterolateral aspect of the proximal end of the body of ulna.
Key Features & Anatomical Relations
The anconeus muscle is found in the posterior compartment of the arm. It is a short, triangular skeletal muscle whose fibers can be found merged with those of the triceps brachii muscle. It is located:
- posterior (superficial) to the elbow joint and the annular ligament of radius;
- medial to the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle;
- lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Actions
The anconeus muscle assists in extension of the forearm at the elbow joint (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Actions
The anconeus muscle assists in extension of the forearm at the elbow joint (Standring, 2016).
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Anconeus Muscle
The anconeus muscle is a triangular-shaped muscle originating posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and then fanning out broadly for an insertion base on the proximal part of the posterolateral side of the ulna.
