Which muscle extends the elbow?

Study the Muscle Actions and Functions Test. Explore anatomy and movement with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Master your exam with hints and explanations check your understanding!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle extends the elbow?

Explanation:
Elbow extension is produced by the triceps brachii, a three-headed muscle on the back of the upper arm. When it contracts, it pulls on the olecranon of the ulna to straighten the forearm relative to the upper arm, making the elbow angle increase to full extension. The biceps brachii and brachialis are elbow flexors, bringing the forearm toward the upper arm, while the deltoid mainly moves the shoulder and doesn’t extend the elbow. So the triceps brachii is the muscle responsible for extending the elbow.

Elbow extension is produced by the triceps brachii, a three-headed muscle on the back of the upper arm. When it contracts, it pulls on the olecranon of the ulna to straighten the forearm relative to the upper arm, making the elbow angle increase to full extension. The biceps brachii and brachialis are elbow flexors, bringing the forearm toward the upper arm, while the deltoid mainly moves the shoulder and doesn’t extend the elbow. So the triceps brachii is the muscle responsible for extending the elbow.

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