Anconeus muscle (anatomy)

Anconeus is a small muscle that is situated posterior to the elbow joint. Triangular in shape, it originates from the posterior surface of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It inserts into the lateral side of the olecranon and the proximal posterior third of the shaft of the ulna. On route, anconeus is partly continuous with triceps. It is superficial to the annular ligament.

It receives its blood supply from:

• branches of profunda brachii
• interosseous recurrent artery

It is innervated by the radial nerve (C7-T1).

Its function is:

• weak extension of elbow
• control of proximal ulna during pronation of forearm to prevent ulnar displacement