Biceps brachii muscle (anatomy)

Biceps brachii is one of the muscles of the anterior arm. It originates from two sites:

• long head from the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula
• short head from the tip of the coracoid process of the scapula

The tendon of the long head passes distally through the glenohumeral joint and the intertubercular groove of the humerus. In the anatomical position, the short head passes distally medial to the lesser tubercle of the humerus. Both tendons form a common muscle over the shaft of the humerus.

It inserts into the:

• tuberosity of the radius
• bicipital aponeurosis into the fasica of the forearm

Biceps brachii acts to:

• flex the elbow
• supinate the forearm
• weakly flex the shoulder

It is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (C5,C6).