Brachioradialis (Musculus brachioradialis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A superficial forearm muscle on its lateral border forming the lateral edge of the cubital fossa; it flexes the elbow despite its posterior-compartment origin and is nicknamed the "beer-drinker’s muscle" for working best in the mid-prone toast position.
Origin & insertion
Upper two-thirds of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and the lateral intermuscular septum. Lateral surface of the distal radius near the radial styloid.
Action
Flexes the elbow quickly and strongly in the mid-prone position and returns the forearm to mid-pronation from either end of the range.
Innervation
Radial nerve (C5–C6) — the famous exception: a flexor muscle innervated by the extensor nerve.
Clinical notes
The standard site for the brachioradialis reflex testing the C5–C6 root (hammer on its tendon over the radius); origin pain at the epicondyle overlaps with tennis elbow diagnostically.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Brachioradialis?
A superficial forearm muscle on its lateral border forming the lateral edge of the cubital fossa; it flexes the elbow despite its posterior-compartment origin and is nicknamed the "beer-drinker’s muscle" for working best in the mid-prone toast position.
Why is the Brachioradialis clinically important?
The standard site for the brachioradialis reflex testing the C5–C6 root (hammer on its tendon over the radius); origin pain at the epicondyle overlaps with tennis elbow diagnostically.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details