Anterior Deltoid
Origin: Anterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle
Insertion: The deltoid tuberosity on the lateral surface of the proximal humeral shaft
Actions: Flexion and internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6)
Blood Supply: Posterior circumflex humeral artery
Primary Actions of the Anterior Deltoid
1. Flexion of the arm at the shoulder
Agonists:
- Biceps brachii
- Coracobrachialis
- Pectoralis major (clavicular head)
Antagonists:
- Deltoid (posterior part)
- Triceps brachii (long head)
- Latissimus dorsi
- Pectoralis major (sternal head)
- Teres major
2. Internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder
Agonists:
- Subscapularis
- Pectoralis major
- Latissimus dorsi
- Teres major
Antagonists:
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Deltoid (posterior)
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Middle Deltoid
Origin: Lateral border of the acromion process of the scapula
Insertion: The deltoid tuberosity on the lateral surface of the proximal humeral shaft
Actions: Abduction of the arm at the shoulder
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6)
Blood Supply: Posterior circumflex humeral artery
Primary Actions of the Middle Deltoid
1. Abduction of the arm at the shoulder
Agonists:
- Anterior Deltoid
- Posterior Deltoid
- Supraspinatus
Antagonists:
- Triceps brachii (long head)
- Latissimus dorsi
- Pectoralis major
- Teres major
Posterior Deltoid
Origin: Inferior edge of the scapular spine
Insertion: The deltoid tuberosity on the lateral surface of the proximal humeral shaft
Actions: Extension of the arm at the shoulder
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6)
Blood Supply: Posterior circumflex humeral artery
Primary Actions of the Posterior Deltoid
1. Extension of the arm at the shoulder
Agonists:
- Triceps brachii (long head)
- Latissimus dorsi
- Pectoralis major (sternal head)
- Teres major
Antagonists:
- Deltoid (anterior part)
- Biceps brachii
- Coracobrachialis
- Pectoralis major (clavicular head)
Secondary Actions of the Posterior Deltoid
1. Assists with external rotation of the arm at the shoulder
Agonists:
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
Antagonists:
- Deltoid (anterior part)
- Teres major
- Latissimus dorsi
- Pectoralis major
- Subscapularis
Muscle Pain Information: The deltoid muscle contributes to pain in the shoulder.
An excellent book for those beginning the study of anatomy. Coloring helps memory retention.
For intermediary anatomy students learning skeletal and muscle structure.
For beginning and intermediary anatomy . Muscle overlays on the human body. Excellent visuals!