ABCDEFGHIJKLM
1
MUSCLE MATRIX
2
BY:ANNIE MILLER CSCS
3
I’ve chosen this selection of muscles based on what I believe are the most common needs of trainers and trainees, as well as what is referenced in the Exercise Matrix. I have grouped some muscles together for this reason. For origin, insertion, and action please reference KenHub.com or physio-pedia.com . You can also create a free account through https://human.biodigital.com/ for more visual learning, which is where all images are pulled from.
4
AREA OF BODYMUSCLE NAME(S)LOCATIONMUSCLE ACTION(s)
5
FLEXIONEXTENSIONROTATIONABDUCTIONADDUCTIONELEVATION, RETRACTION, DEPRESSIONEXERCISES
6
NeckScalenes
Attaches to the first rib (just posterior to the clavicle) and the cervicle spine.Flexion of the neckGeneral rotation of the neckAids in holding the up in exercises like a hollow hold or dead bug
7
Sternocleidomastoid
Crosses the neck, anchoring to the medial, superior portion of the clavicle (collarbone) to the posterior portion of the skull.Flexion of the neckGeneral rotation of the neckAids in holding the up in exercises like a hollow hold or dead bug
8
Levator scapula
Connects from cervicle vertabrae to the medial, superior edge of the scapulaDownward rotation of the scapula (bottom point of scalula draws in, toward the spine, while levator pulls the medial side up towards the neck)Elevation of the scapulaReverse flies, vertical downward pulling like pull ups, chin ups, lat pull downs, etc. May be used in horizontal pulling like rowing exercsies: single arm DB row, inverted BB row etc.
9
Back Trapezius
Originates all along cervicle and thoracic spine superficially. Connects along the medial and superior portions and spine of scapula, as well as the clavicle.All fibers - retraction of the scapula
10
- Upper fibersExtnesion of the neckUpward rotation of the scapula (drawing the inferior edge of the scapula laterally, the medial, superior edge down, and the acromion process UP). Elevation and retraction of the scapula
11
- Middle fibersUpward rotation of the scapula (drawing the inferior edge of the scapula laterally, the medial, superior edge down, and the acromion process UP).Retraction of scapula
12
- Lower fibersDepression and retraction of scapula
13
Rhomboids
From the medial, inferior edge of scapula to the thoracic spine. Lives under the traps.Downward rotation of the scapulaRetraction and elevation of scapula
14
From the medial, superior edge of scapula to the thoracic spine. Lives under the traps.Downward rotation of the scapulaRetraction and elevation of scapula
15
Latissimus dorsi
Originiates all along lower thoracic vertibrae, through lumbar verterbrae, to the medial, posterior edge of the iliac crest (hip bones), and up to the inferior edge of the scapula.Extension of the shoulderInternally rotates the humerus (at insertion)Adducts humerusAlmost all pulling variations to some extent. Pull ups, lat pull downs, inverted rows, scapular pull ups. Think pulling the arms down, or back.
16
Then connects medially to the anterior, upper portion of the humerus bone.
17
Shoulder/backSupraspinatus
Is a deep muscle, lying between the spine of the scapula and superior edge.Abduction of the humerus (keeps the humerus where it should be)Lateral raises, and any time the humerus needs to be stable within the shoulder joint.
18
Connects across to the head of the humerus bone.
19
Infraspinatus
Is a deep muscle below the spine of the scapula, attaching to the inferior, medial edge of scapula
20
Connects across to the posterior, lateral portion of the humerus bone. Externally rotates the humerusAids in "packing" or "locking in" the shoulder and keeping the humerus in place. Prone Y raises, bent over reverse flies, push ups, bench press etc.
21
Teres major
Inferior to Teres Minor, and under the deltoids. Starts at inferior portion of scapulaExtension of the humerusInternally rotates the humerusThink pulling the arm down/back. Slam balls, straight arm lat pull down. Generally stabilizes the humerus in the shoulder joint
22
Attaches passing medially through to the anterior humerus
23
Teres minor
Superior to Teres Major, attaching on the posterior/lateral head of humerus. Originates under the infraspinatus and is located under the deltoidsExternally rotates the humerusAdducts the humerusAids in "packing" or "locking in" the shoulder and keeping the humerus in place. Bringing the arm towards the mid line. Single arm supinated lat pull down.
24
ShoulderAnterior deltoids
Superficial muscle, attaching to the lateral clavicle down to the lateral, superior portion of humeral shaft.Shoulder flexionAid in internal rotation of the humerusAbduction of humerusShoulder press (all variations), landmine press, incline DB press, push ups, frontal raises
25
Medial deltoids
Superficial muscle, attaching to the acromion process of the scapula down to the lateral, superior portion of humeral shaft.Shoulder flexionAbduction of humerusShoulder press (all variations), lateral raises
26
Posterior deltoids
Superficial muscle, attaching to the spine of the scapula down to the lateral, superior portion of humeral shaft.Shoulder extensionAid in external rotation of the humerusAbduction of humerusBent over reverse flies, straight arm lat pull down, BB bent over row
27
ArmTriceps
Long head attaches on lateral, superior edge of scapula, crossing under teres minor, and over teres majorExtension of the elbow. Long head aids in extension of humerus/shoulderLong head adduction of the armCable tricep extension, seated overhead tricep extension, dips, tricep kick back, aids in horizontal and vertical pressing like bench press and overhead press. Works to keep the arm locked out.
28
Biceps
Both heads have long tendons attaching to the scapula - Short (more inner/medial) head attaches to the coracoid process of scapula, and the long (outer/lateral) head more posterior to the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula Flexion of the elbow, as well as the shoulderLong head - Internal rotation.Long headShort headBicep curls (any variation), aids in frontal raises, is favored in supinated grips
29
Brachioradialis
Superficial anterior forearm muscle crossing the elbow joint Fexion of the elbow - with bias in pronationHammer curls and reverse curls
30
Attaches mid antrior shaft of humerus, underneath biceps brachii long head and inferior to the brachialis attachment
31
Brachialis
Crosses the elbow joint under the biceps brachii and inserts under the brachioradialis but then crosses above it to attach on the humerusFexion of the elbowBB bicep curl
32
Attaches mid antrior shaft of humerus, underneath biceps brachii long head and superior to the brachioradialis attachment
33
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Crosses the elbow joint medially to the humerus as well as laterally to the anterior portion of the radius. Flexion of the fingers and wristAny time you grip
34
Flexor digitorum profundus
Does NOT cross the elbow. Attaches to the ulna only Flexion of the fingers and wristAny time you grip
35
Extensor digitorum
Crosses elbow joint to connect on lateral portion of distal humeral head. Then attaches to four fingers, excluding the thumb.Extension of wrist and figures except thumbUsed in reverse curls or any time you extend your wrist. Also aids in gripping to keep a neutral wrist
36
Forearm extensors
Largely under Extensor Digitorum. Majority do not cross the elbow, but the forearm and handExtnesion of wrist, thumb and pointer fingerUsed any time you extend your wrist. Also aids in gripping to keep a neutral wrist
37
CoreRectus abdominis
Superficial, anterior core muscle, running from the ribcage to the pubic bone. Abdominal flexion, compression, and helping to draw the ribs and pelvis towards one another Can and is contracted to aid in almost all forms of resistance training. But specifically core work - Toe to bar, V up, Turkish sit up, front plank etc.
38
The rectus abdominis is deep to the rectus sheath (seen in the image above)
39
Transverse abdominis
AKA your natural weight belt. Attaches from public bone, along the outer edges of the iliac crest and down into the posterior fascia. Also attaches to the lower ribs.Aids in compression, managing abdominal pressure, and lumbopelvic positioningAbdominal rotationIdeally, almost everything...relationship between lumbopelvic and abdominal positioning and pressure is MASSIVE in resistance training, and even normal respiration.
40
Essentially, the TA is a DEEP WIDE band spanning in a 360 degree fashion connecting your hips to your ribcage.
41
External obiliques
42
Internal obiliques
Superficial core muscle, again connecting from the mid and lower ribs to the lateral crest fo the hip bones.Lateral abdominal flexion, abdominal flexionAbdominal lateral rotationDraws the ribcage downward and compressesAnother core muscle that is likely active in almost any exercise as it helps to stabilize the core. Specifically - Standing QL crunch, Turkish get up (all variations), side planks, farmer carry, Russian twists etc
43
Quadratus lumborum
Deep core muscle, attaching from the lowest rib, along the lumbar vertebrae to the posterior illiac crest of the hip.Lateral abdominal flexion and lumbopelvic stability, especially in lower body ulilateral movements.Aids in back extensionAnother core muscle that is likely active in almost any exercise as it helps to stabilize the core. Espeiclly important with lumbopelvic stability. Good luck walking without a QL.
44
Step ups, walking lunges, front foot elevated reverse lunge, superman, reverse plank
45
Erector spinae
Runs all along vertebrae (cervicle, thoracic and lumbar) to the sacrum, iliac crest and ribs.Extension of the thoracic, and lumbar spineAlso helps stabilize the spine and core. Superman, Z presses, goodmornings, deadlifts
46
Multifidus
Attaches to full vertebral column down to sacrum.Spinal extensionRotation of the spineAlso aids in spinal stability of the vertebral column. Jefferson curl, Superman, Z presses, goodmornings, single arm farmer carry (and almost all other movement).
47
HipsGluteus maximus
Outermost hip extendor and glute - attaches from medial sacrum and iliac crest and joins the IT band as well as the lateral shaft of femurMain extensor of the hipsLateral rotation of the femurAbduction of the hip/femurHip thrust, step ups, single leg glute bridge, Romanian deadlift, glute kick backs, low isolated glute kick backs, cable glute kick back, back ext for glutes
48
Gluteus medius
Under gluteus maximus, attaches from the outer iliac crest to the lateral femoral headInternally rotates the femurAbduction of the hip/femurSide liying leg raise, bench side lying leg raise, lateral band walks, clamshells
49
Gluteus minimus
Deepest glute muscle, under glute med, attaches from the outer surface of ilium to the postior, lateral femoral headInternally rotates the femurAbduction of the hip/femurSide liying leg raise, bench side lying leg raise, lateral band walks, clamshells
50
Piriformis
DEEP external rotator of the hip. Attaches from the lateral sacrum to superior surface of femoral headExternal rotation of femurAbduction of the hip/femurBanded Abduction, 45 degree kick backs. Also aids in general stability of the pelvis (such as in squats).
51
Tensor fasciae latae
Under the Iliotibial (IT) band from outer anterior iliac crest to to the IT band.Aids in hip flexionInternally rotates the femurAbduction of the hip/femurBox jump, lateral jump
52
Upper legHamstrings
Biceps femoris (showing short head as well). Gluteus maximus removed on all hamstring images to show orginins of each.
53
- Biceps femoris (long and short head)
Posterior, lateral hip extendor and knee flexor. Attachs from hip at ishial tuberosity (bottom of hip bones), as well as leg at lateral shaft of femur down to the lateral head of the tibia.Knee flexionHip extensionExternalRomanian deadlifts, deadlift, Jefferson curl, prone hamstring curl, Nordic hamstring curl. Also used in suqating patterns.
54
- Semitendinosus
Posterior, medial hip extendor and knee flexor. Attachs from hip at ishial tuberosity (bottom of hip bones), crossing the knee to connect on the medial head of the tibia. Knee flexionHip extensionInternalSumo romanian deadlift, Romainian deadlift, Jefferson curl, deadlift, prone hamstring curl, Nordic hamstring curl
55
- Semimembranosus
Beneath and medial to Semitendinosus. Posterior, medial hip extendor and knee flexor. Attachs from hip at ishial tuberosity (bottom of hip bones), crossing the knee to connect just below the medial head of the tibia. Knee flexionHip extensionInternalSumo romanian deadlift, Romainian deadlift, deadlift, Jefferson curl, prone hamstring curl, Nordic hamstring curl
56
AdductorsInferior pubis and attaches mostly along the medial shaft of the femurALL adduction f the femurAlso aids in general hip stability. Copenhagens, sumo deadlifts, back squats, single leg glute bridge, single leg hip thrust, cossack squats, lateral lunge
57
- Magnus (posterior view)
Semimembranosus and tendinosus removed in order to see adductor magnus attaches most distally to the femurWeak, third string hip extension
58
- Magnus (anterior view)
Pectineus, adductor longus and brevis as well as all quads removed to see the full adductor magnus
59
- Brevis
Beneath/between adductor longus and pectineus. Attaches higher on the femur than longusAids in flexion at the hip
60
- Longus
Attaches on the femur between lowest magnus insertion and brevis.Aids in flexion at the hip
61
Pectineus
Anterior, inferior pubis to upper, medial femur, just below the head.Adduction of the femurSingle leg hip thrust, cossack squats, lateral lunge
62
Sartorius
Fun fact** Longest muslce in the body! Superficial muscle crossing the hip and the knee joint - crossing from the anterior, lateral portion of the hip, to the medial portion of the tibiaFlexion of the hip and the kneeRound the world band walk, aids in hamstring curls
63
Gracilis
Superficial medial muscle crossing the hip and the knee. Oriniates at the inferior pubis and attaches on the medial head of the tibiaFlexion of the kneeAdduction of the femurCopenhagens, toe to bars, V ups
64
Quadriceps
Superficial anterior extendors of the knee
65
- Rectus femoris
Most superficial quad muscle, and only quad to cross the knee and the hip joints. Anterior portion of iliac spine to the quadriceps tendon.Hip flexionKnee extensionAny squatting - Front squats, cyclist squats, goblet squats. Step ups, quad extensions. Bias in hip flexion exercises - V ups, Toes to bar, L hang holds, L sit holds, Hanging straight leg raises.
66
- Vastus lateralis, intermedius, and medius
All originate on the anterior proximal shaft of femur (high on front of femur) and connect to the tibia via the quadriceps tendon.Knee extensionAny squatting - Front squats, cyclist squats, goblet squats. Step ups, quad extensions, walking lugnes, reverse lunges.
67
Lower legCalvesMuch like the core, the calves are active throughout MANY exercises, expecially of the lower body. From walking to squatting.
68
- Gastrocnemius
Attaches from the medial and lateral head of the distal femur down to the achillies tendonAssists in knee flexion (ever had soreness here after hamstring curls?) and plantar flexion at the ankleCalf raises, jumping exercises
69
- Soleus
Does NOT cross the knee joint. Sits under the grastroc, attaching to both the tibia and fibulaPlantar flexion (presses foot into ground)Bias in seated calf raises
70
Tibialis anterior
Crosses from lateral, superior tibia to the medial side of the foot and is a superficial muscle on the anterior surface of the shin.Dorsiflexion at the ankle (pulls foot towards shin)Walking lunges, tibialis taps, lumberjack squats
71
FeetPlantar flexors of the feet
Most muscles on the bottom of the foot. Some running from the back of the lower leg under the calf muscles, down to to the bottom of the foot.Plantar flexion of the feet and flexion of the toesAny time you "grip the floor" these are on your team.
72