Elbow extension is performed by which muscle group?

Elbow extension is performed by which muscle group?

• A. Triceps brachii (all heads), with assistance from anconeus.
• B. Biceps brachii and brachialis.
• C. Triceps brachii only.
• D. Anconeus with biceps.

Answer: (A)

Elbow extension is driven by the triceps brachii, with the anconeus providing additional assist and stabilization. The triceps has three heads (long, lateral, and medial) that act together to straighten the forearm by pulling on the ulna. The anconeus is a small muscle near the elbow that helps extend the joint and keeps the elbow stable during movement. In contrast, the biceps brachii and brachialis are elbow flexors, so they contribute to bending the elbow rather than straightening it. While the triceps can extend the elbow on its own, the anconeus adds useful assistive force, so the combination of the triceps with assistance from the anconeus best describes elbow extension.

Elbow extension is driven by the triceps brachii, with the anconeus providing additional assist and stabilization. The triceps has three heads (long, lateral, and medial) that act together to straighten the forearm by pulling on the ulna. The anconeus is a small muscle near the elbow that helps extend the joint and keeps the elbow stable during movement. In contrast, the biceps brachii and brachialis are elbow flexors, so they contribute to bending the elbow rather than straightening it. While the triceps can extend the elbow on its own, the anconeus adds useful assistive force, so the combination of the triceps with assistance from the anconeus best describes elbow extension.