Superficial head of pronator teres

Caput superficiale pronatoris teretis

  • Latin synonym: Caput humerale pronatoris teretis
  • Synonym: Humeral head of pronator teres
  • Related terms: Humeral head; Pronator teres : Humeral head

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

Superficial head of pronator teres

Origin

Humeral head: medial epicondyle of the humerus (common flexor tendon)

Insertion

Radius (mid-shaft)

Artery

Ulnar and radial artery

Innervation

Median nerve

Action

Pronation of the forearm and flexes the elbow

Antagonist

Supinator muscle

The superficial head of pronator teres is the larger and more superficial of its two origins. It arises from the medial epicondyle of the humerus via the common flexor tendon. It combines with the ulnar head to eventually insert as a common tendon onto a rough impression on the lateral surface of the midshaft of the radius.

References

  • Luxenburg D, Rizzo MG. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Pronator Teres. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580564/

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