Brachioradialis

Authors
Affiliations

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Left Humerus (Anterior view)1
Reading list
  • Wrist Extensor and Brachioradialis Muscles2
  • 3
  • MMT4

Overview

The brachioradialis muscle exists in the lateral forearm5. The brachioradialis along with the ECRB, ECRL form the radial group of forearm muscles5.

Origin

  • Lateral Humerus (Superior to lateral supracondylar ridge)6
  • Lateral intermuscular septum6
Figure 2: Muscles that move the Forearm7

Pathway

From its proximal origin the brachioradialis is lateral to the brachialis and superficial to the common biceps brachii tendon5. As the brachioradialis crosses the anterior-lateral elbow to form the lateral wall of the cubital fossa5. As it passes into the forearm, the brachioradialis acts as a border between the anterior and posterior lateral forearm components5.

At the mid-forearm, the brachioradialis courses laterally to the FCR5. Between the brachioradialis and FCR the superficial branch of the radial nerve arises and crosses superficially over the extensor retinaculum of the hand5.

As the brachioradialis courses distally to the wrist and its distal insertion, it lies lateral to the radial artery5.

Insertion

Styloid process of the Radius6

Tendon

Innervation

Radial N. (C5, C6)6

Action

  • Elbow: Flexion6
  • Forearm: Pronates or Supinates the arm to neutral5,6
Figure 3: Brachioradialis acting as a synergist for the Biceps Brachii7

Notes

Reflex

Brachioradialis reflex can be used to assess the C6 nerve root8.

References

1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
3.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
4.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
5.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
6.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
7.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
8.
Hong CG, Nam WD. Reliability and Diagnostic Accuracy of Standard Dermatomes and Myotomes for Determining the Pathologic Level in Surgically Verified Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy. Neurospine. 2022;19(4):1006-1012. doi:10.14245/ns.2244194.097

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