Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Triceps Brachii
Region
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Long head: infraglenoid tubercle; Lateral and medial heads: posterior humerus', 'Insertion: Olecranon process of ulna']
Synergistic Muscles
['Anconeus']
Joints
['Shoulder (long head)', 'Elbow']
Primary Actions
['Elbow extension', 'Shoulder extension (long head)']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Radial nerve
Brachial plexus; C6–C8
Interesting
Main elbow extensor; long head also acts on shoulder. [Gray's Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Push trunk away from fixed arms (e.g. pushing off chair)
Common Dysfunctions
Weak elbow extension, difficulty pushing up from surfaces
How to Stretch
Overhead triceps stretch with elbow bent.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Pressing and pushing exercises.
Concentric Action
Extend elbow (push away)
Applications:
Important in transfers, pressure relief, and crutch users
Eccentric Action
Control return to elbow flexion
Isotonic Action
Overhead triceps extensions, push-ups
Related Conditions
['Triceps tendonitis', 'Olecranon bursitis']
Isometric Action
Hold elbow extended under load
Exercise Ideas
['Triceps dips', 'Overhead extension', 'Close-grip push-ups']