GENERAL INFORMATION
The brachialis is a muscle located in the anterior compartment of the arm. It plays a crucial role in elbow flexion and is responsible for generating a significant amount of power during gripping and lifting movements.
ORIGIN
Specifically, this muscles originates from the anterior surface of the humerus (upper arm bone), at precisely the distal half of the anterior shaft.
INSERTION POINT
From there, it inserts onto the ulnar tuberosity. Which is a bony prominence on the proximal end of the ulna (one of the two forearm bones).
MAJOR ARTERIES
Additionally, the brachialis muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the brachial artery. Which is a continuation of the axillary artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
Concerning neural control, the musculocutaneous nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus, primarily innervates the brachialis muscle.
TRIGGER POINT
Although trigger points in the brachialis muscle are relatively rare. They may cause localised pain in the front of the elbow or refer pain to the forearm.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Regarding its functionality, the concentric function of the brachialis muscle involves the contraction of its muscle fibres, resulting in elbow flexion. This muscle is a powerful elbow flexor and actively contributes to movements such as lifting, pulling, and performing curls.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
Conversely, the eccentric function of this muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. This function assists in controlling the extension of the elbow joint and the descent of a loaded weight.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Moreover, the isometric function of the brachialis muscle involves contracting and generating tension without changing its length. This function helps stabilise the elbow joint during weight-bearing activities and maintain proper alignment.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- None
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Triceps Brachii: This muscle is located at the back of the upper arm and is responsible for elbow extension, opposing the flexion action of the brachialis.
- Biceps Brachii: Although it assists in elbow flexion, it acts as an antagonist during movements that require elbow extension.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or tears: Overstretching or excessive contraction of the brachialis muscle may lead to muscle fibre damage, causing pain and weakness.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the brachialis tendon, commonly occurring at its insertion point on the ulnar tuberosity, often due to repetitive strain.
- Elbow joint sprains: Injuries to the ligaments surrounding the elbow joint. Which may indirectly affect the brachialis muscle, causing pain and limited movement.
EXERCISES
- Hammer curls: Hold dumbbells with a neutral grip and curl them towards the shoulders to target the brachialis and other arm muscles.
- Reverse curls: Using an overhand grip, curl the barbell towards the chest to focus on the brachialis and forearm muscles.
- Pronated grip curls: Perform curls with palms facing down to specifically engage the brachialis muscle.
- Zottman curls: Alternate between standard curls and reverse curls in one movement to strengthen the brachialis and forearms.
- Preacher curls: Use a preacher bench to isolate and effectively target the brachialis muscle.
STRETCHES
- Wrist extensor stretch: Extend the arm with the palm facing down. Gently pull back on the fingers to stretch the forearm and brachialis.
- Wrist flexor stretch: Extend the arm with the palm facing up and gently pull back on the fingers to stretch the forearm flexors and brachialis.
- Forearm pronation and supination stretch: Rotate the forearm palm up and down to stretch and mobilize the brachialis and surrounding muscles.
- Wrist and forearm stretch with fingers interlaced: Interlace the fingers and stretch the arms forward to relieve tension in the brachialis and forearm.
- Overhead triceps stretch: Raise one arm overhead, bend the elbow, and use the opposite hand to gently push the elbow back, stretching the triceps and indirectly stretching the brachialis.
