Musculus triceps brachii caput mediale
The triceps brachii has three heads: the long head, the lateral head, and the medial head. The long head is the largest and most superficial, visible as the muscular mass behind the shoulder. It originates from the caudal border of the scapula. The lateral head originates from the deltoid tuberosity and lateral surface of the proximal humerus. The medial head originates from the medial surface of the humerus. All heads insert on the olecranon process of the ulna. Their primary action is to extend the elbow and bear weight during the stance phase. They are innervated by the radial nerve (roughly C7-T1).
Origin: Medial surface of the humeral shaft
Insertion: Olecranon process of the ulna
Action: Extends the elbow; stabilizes the elbow during stance
Innervation: Radial nerve (C7-T1)
Triceps dysfunction or atrophy can severely compromise elbow extension and weight bearing. Radial nerve damage can affect the triceps. Relevant in evaluations of elbow function and after trauma. Diagnosis is clinical and with ultrasound or electromyography.
## Overview Medial elbow pain is discomfort on the inside of the elbow, often from strain of the medial muscles or collateral ligament. It produces subtle forelimb lameness that is worse on firm grou
Inability to bear weight on a forelimb or sudden swelling behind the shoulder after trauma should be evaluated immediately.
## Overview Medial elbow pain is discomfort on the inside of the elbow, often from strain of the medial muscles or collateral ligament. It produces subtle forelimb lameness that is worse on firm ground, pain on deep palpation, and a shortened cranial stride. It is easily mistaken for other sources of forelimb lameness. ## Causes Overuse or acute strain. ## Diagnosis Careful palpation, diagnostic analgesia, and ultrasound or radiographs of the elbow. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, and gradual rehabilitation. Address any contributing workload factors. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for soft-tissue strains. ## Prevention Balanced conditioning. Signs include: subtle forelimb lameness worse on firm ground; pain on deep medial elbow palpation; shortened cranial phase of stride
Triceps dysfunction or atrophy can severely compromise elbow extension and weight bearing. Radial nerve damage can affect the triceps. Relevant in evaluations of elbow function and after trauma. Diagnosis is clinical and with ultrasound or electromyography.
Inability to bear weight on a forelimb or sudden swelling behind the shoulder after trauma should be evaluated immediately.
See the Triceps Brachii (Medial Head) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model