Anconeus
Arm · Upper Limb
Located in the Arm of the Upper Limb, the Anconeus is a key muscle for anatomy study. Originating at Lateral epicondyle of humerus, it inserts at Lateral surface of olecranon and posterior surface of proximal ulna. It is responsible for several movements: Assists triceps in extension of elbow; stabilizes elbow joint. Its nerve supply is the Radial nerve (C7, C8).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Insertion
Lateral surface of olecranon and posterior surface of proximal ulna
Action
Assists triceps in extension of elbow; stabilizes elbow joint
Nerve
Radial nerve (C7, C8)
Attachments explained
The Anconeus is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
Insertion
Lateral surface of olecranon and posterior surface of proximal ulna
Action & function
When the Anconeus contracts, it produces the following movements: Assists triceps in extension of elbow; stabilizes elbow joint.
As part of the Arm group of the Upper Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Anconeus receives its nerve supply from the Radial nerve (C7, C8). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C7, C8.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Radial nerve or to its spinal roots (C7, C8) can weaken or paralyse the Anconeus, impairing the movements it normally produces (assists triceps in extension of elbow). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Anconeus (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Anconeus, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Anconeus fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Anconeus quick facts
- Region
- Upper Limb
- Group
- Arm
- Origin
- Lateral epicondyle of humerus
- Insertion
- Lateral surface of olecranon and posterior surface of proximal ulna
- Action
- Assists triceps in extension of elbow; stabilizes elbow joint
- Nerve
- Radial nerve (C7, C8)
- Spinal roots
- C7, C8
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Anconeus located?
The Anconeus is a muscle of the Arm group, located in the Upper Limb.
What is the origin of the Anconeus?
Lateral epicondyle of humerus
What is the insertion of the Anconeus?
Lateral surface of olecranon and posterior surface of proximal ulna
What movements does the Anconeus produce?
Assists triceps in extension of elbow; stabilizes elbow joint
What nerve supplies the Anconeus?
Radial nerve (C7, C8)
Is the Anconeus free to study in OIANS?
Yes. The Anconeus is free in OIANS: its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory, and because it belongs to the Upper Limb it is also covered by the free Quiz and Flashcard decks. The other regions, the "All Muscles" deck, and the Progress and Explore tools are unlocked with a one-time Lifetime purchase.
Related muscles
Study the Anconeus
Test yourself on Upper Limb muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
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