Muscle anatomy reference charts

Tips and tricks on how to efficiently learn the origins, insertions, innervation and functions of muscles.

If you’ve ever attempted to learn the origins, insertions, innervations, and functions of all 600+ muscles in the body… you’ll know what a soul-destroying task it can be. That’s why we created muscle anatomy charts; your condensed, no-nonsense, easy to understand learning solution.

Validated and aligned with popular anatomy textbooks, these muscle cheat sheets are packed with high-quality illustrations. You’ll be able to clearly visualize muscle locations and understand how they relate to surrounding structures.

1. A complete list of muscles
   1. Muscle origins and insertions
   2. Muscle innervation
   3. Muscle functions
   1. Lower limb (free PDF download)
   2. Upper limb
   3. Head and neck
   4. Trunk wall
   1. Lower limb (free PDF download)
   2. Upper limb
   3. Head and neck
   4. Trunk wall

   A complete list of muscles

   We’ve created muscle anatomy charts for every muscle containing region of the body:

   • Upper limb
   • Lower limb
   • Head and neck
   • Trunk wall

   Each chart groups the muscles of that region into its component groups, making your revision a million times easier. For example, upper limb muscles are grouped by shoulder and arm, forearm and hand. Next to each muscle, you’ll find its origin(s), insertion(s), innervation(s) and function(s).

   Muscle origins and insertions

   Many muscles are attached to bones at either end via tendons. The muscle origin often describes the more proximal attachment point of the muscle, while the muscle insertion point refers to the distal attachment. In our cheat sheets, you’ll find the origin(s) and insertion(s) of every muscle. Finally, a reliable source (and good looking too!).

   Muscle innervation

   See at a glance which muscle is innervated by which nerve. The good news? Adjacent muscles which serve similar functions are often innervated by the same nerve. You'll find this conveniently illustrated on the cheat sheets.

   Muscle functions

   Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation… whether you’re a doctor, physiotherapist or yoga teacher, knowing the functions of a given muscle is very important. The problem? With more than 600 muscles in the body, it can feel impossible to keep track of them all. Our muscle anatomy charts make it easier by listing them clearly and concisely. Phew.

   What are you waiting for? Get your muscle charts below.

   English terminology

   Lower limb (free PDF download)

   This muscle chart eBook covers the following regions:

   • Inner hip & gluteal muscles
   • Anterior, medical and posterior thigh muscles
   • Anterior, lateral and posterior leg muscles
   • Dorsal and plantar foot muscles

   This eBook contains high-quality illustrations and validated information about each muscle. It is available for free.

   Upper limb

   This muscle chart eBook covers the following regions:

   • Rotator cuff muscles
   • Muscles of the shoulder and arm
   • Anterior & posterior forearm muscles
   • Thenar, hypothenar and metacarpal muscles of the hand

   This eBook contains high-quality illustrations and validated information about each muscle.

   Head and neck

   This muscle chart eBook covers the following regions:

   • Muscles of facial expression and mastication
   • Muscles of orbit
   • Muscles of tongue
   • Muscles of pharynx
   • Muscle of larynx
   • Anterior and lateral neck muscles

   This eBook contains high-quality illustrations and validated information about each muscle.

   Trunk wall

   This muscle chart eBook covers the following regions:

   • Superficial (Extrinsic) muscles of back
   • Deep (Intrinsic) muscles of back
   • Anterolateral muscles of trunk
   • Muscles of pelvic floor

   This eBook contains high-quality illustrations and validated information about each muscle.

   Latin terminology

   All our four muscle chart ebooks are also available with the Latin terminology.

   Lower limb (free PDF download)

   Upper limb

   Head and neck

   Trunk wall

   Sources

   Authors: Molly Smith, Niels Hapke

   Layout: Niels Hapke

   © Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

   Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!