Synonyms
three-headed arm extensor Latin medical: M. triceps brachiiThe three-headed arm muscle (Musculus triceps brachii), popularly called triceps, is the only muscle that is approx. 4 cm thick and weighs 600 grams and is the antagonist to the three arm flexor muscles. A distinction is made between two short heads originating from the upper arm and one longer head originating from the shoulder blade.
The physiological cross section of the two-headed arm muscle (also commonly called biceps or medically M. biceps brachii) is 60% larger than that of the three-headed arm muscle. Attachment: Hooked process of the ulna (Olecranon ulnae) Origin: Innervation: Radial nerve (Nervus radialis)
- Long head: underside of the shoulder joint (tuberculum infraglenoideale scapulae)
- Short head: posterior upper arm (dorsal humeral surface)
- Outer head: posterior surface of the humerus (lateral humerus surface)
The triceps (Musculus triceps brachii) is contracted in all movements in which a weight is pushed away from the body. In professional fitness sports and bodybuilding, isolated exercises are used for targeted muscle building.
An overview of all relevant topics in the field of strength training can be found in the overview strength sport
- Triceps Pushing
- Bench press
- Neck Pressing
To see the triceps, a flexion in the elbow joint must be performed. This is best done by bending the arm to be stretched above the head (in the sense of scratching the back). The other arm pulls the elbow joint of the stretched arm towards the head until a stretch is felt in the triceps. more information
- Stretching
- Overview stretching exercises
Function
The function of the triceps is to stretch the forearm in the elbow joint. In addition, the “triceps brachii” causes a blockage in the elbow joint and thus prevents a buckling when the arms are supported. The long head of the three-headed muscle causes retroversion and adduction in the shoulder joint.
