Brachioradialis

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Left Humerus (Anterior view)
Reading list
  • Wrist Extensor and Brachioradialis Muscles
  • MMT

Overview

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

Origin

  • Lateral Humerus (Superior to lateral supracondylar ridge)
  • Lateral intermuscular septum
Figure 2: Muscles that move the Forearm

Pathway

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

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

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

Insertion

Styloid process of the Radius

Tendon

Innervation

Radial N. (C5, C6)

Action

  • Elbow: Flexion
  • Forearm: Pronates or Supinates the arm to neutral
Figure 3: Brachioradialis acting as a synergist for the Biceps Brachii

Notes

Reflex

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

References

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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.
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Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
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Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
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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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