Triceps

Synonyms

three-headed arm extensor

Latin / medical: M.. triceps brachii

introduction

The three-headed arm muscle (triceps brachii), popularly known as the triceps, is the only muscle that is approx. 4 cm thick and weighs 600 grams and is the antagonist of the three arm flexor muscles.
There are two short heads that come from the upper arm and one longer head that comes from the shoulder blade. The physiological cross-section of the two-headed arm muscle (also commonly called biceps or medically called M. biceps brachii) is 60% larger than that of the three-headed arm muscle.

Approach, origin, innervation

Approach: Hooked process of ulna (Olecranon ulnae)

Origin:

  • Long head: Underside of the shoulder joint (Tuberculum infraglenoideale scapulae)
  • Short head: rear upper arm (dorsal surface of the humerus)
  • Outer head: Posterior surface of the humerus (lateral humeral surface)

Innervation: Radial nerve (Radial nerve)

Illustration of the triceps brachii muscle

Illustration of the triceps brachii muscle: back of the right upper arm (A) and seen from the side (B)

Triceps brachii muscle
Triceps
(three-headed upper arm muscle)

  1. Three-headed upper arm muscle
    (Triceps), long head -
    Triceps brachii muscle,
    Caput longum
  2. Three-headed upper arm muscle
    (Triceps), side head -
    Triceps brachii muscle,
    Caput laterale
  3. Three-headed upper arm muscle
    (Triceps), inner (lower) head -
    Triceps brachii muscle,
    Caput mediale
  4. Elbow joint -
    Articulatio cubiti
  5. Ellschaft - Corpus ulnae
  6. Spoke shaft -
    Corpus radii
  7. Upper arm shaft - Corpus humeri
  8. Shoulder blade - Scapula
  9. Shoulder joint - articulatio humeri

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

How is the muscle trained / contracted?

The triceps (triceps brachii muscle) is contracted in all movements in which a weight is pushed away from the body. In professional fitness and bodybuilding, isolated exercises are used for targeted muscle building.

  • Triceps extension
  • Bench press
  • Neck press

You can find an overview of all relevant topics in the area of ​​strength training in the overview of strength training

How is the muscle stretched?

To stretch the triceps, there must be a flexion in the elbow joint. This is best done by placing the arm to be stretched above the head (in the sense of scratching your back) is flexed. The other arm pulls that Elbow joint of the stretched arm towards the head until a stretch is felt in the triceps.

additional Information

  • Stretching
  • Overview of stretching exercises

Appointment with ?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of and work as an orthopedist at Lumedis.
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me live every 6 weeks on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is not enough time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of all treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You will find me:

  • Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.

function

The function of the triceps is one Elongation of the forearm in the elbow joint. Furthermore, the “M. Trizeps brachii “a blockage in the Elbow joint and thus prevents buckling when propping the poor. The long head of the three-headed muscle causes one Retro version and Adduction in the Shoulder joint.