Acupuncture Anatomy Review - Muscle and Skeletal Landmarks
Our anatomy review section covers the terminology and musculoskeletal landmarks which are commonly used in the finding of acupuncture points. This information is also useful for practitioners of any style of bodywork or energywork.
If you have not had an acupuncture treatment or are looking for more general information, you may want to read our acupuncture basics page as well as our first acupuncture treatment information.
Review of Musculoskeletal Terminology
¤ Terms of Position and Direction
| Superior | toward the head or upper part of a structure |
| Inferior | away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure |
| Anterior Ventral |
nearer to or at the front of the body |
| Posterior Dorsal |
nearer to or at the back of the body |
| Superficial | toward or on the surface of the body |
| Deep | away from the surface of the body |
| Medial | nearer to the midline of the body or a structure |
| Lateral | farther from the midline of the body or a structure |
| Intermediate | between two structures |
| Proximal | nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk nearer to the point of origin |
| Distal | farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk farther from the point of origin |
| Ipsilateral | on the same side of the body |
| Contralateral | on the opposite side of the body |
¤ Terms of Movement
| Flexion | a decrease in the angle of a joint |
| Extension | an increase in the angle of a joint |
| Abduction | movement away from the midline of the body |
| Adduction | movement towards the midline of the body |
| Horizontal Abduction | movement away from the midline of the body in a horizontal plane |
| Horizontal Adduction | movement towards the midline of the body in a horizontal plane |
| Medial Rotation | movement around a longitudinal axis toward the midline of the body |
| Lateral Rotation | movement around a longitudinal axis away from the midline of the body |
| Elevation | upward movement |
| Depression | downward movement |
| Protraction | forward movement (mandible and scapula) |
| Retraction | backward movement (mandible and scapula) |
| Supination | movement of forearm in which the palm is turned anteriorly |
| Pronation | movement of forearm in which the palm is turned posteriorly |
| Inversion | movement of the soles inward so they face eachother |
| Eversion | movement of the soles outward so they face away from eachother |
| Dorsiflexion | bending the foot upward |
| Plantarflexion | bending the foot downward |
Muscle Landmarks for CAM Practitioners
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Forearm & Hand |
thumb = I/1 pinky = V/5 |
||
| Extensor Digitorum fingers |
lateral epicondyle of humerus via common extensor tendon | base of middle and distal phalanges II-V | extension of digits II-V radial nerve from C6, 7 & 8 |
| Flexor Digitorum Superficialis fingers |
medial epicondyle of humerus, coronoid process of ulna | both sides of the middle phalanges of digits II-V | flexion of digits II-V & wrist median nerve from C7, 8 & T1 |
| Flexor Digitorum Profundus fingers |
anterior surface of proximal 3/4 of ulna | base of the distal phalanges of digits II-V | flexion of fingers II-V & wrist median nerve from C8 & T1 for digits II/III and from C8 & T2 for digits IV/V |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Abductor Pollicis Longus thumb |
posterior radius and ulna | base of metacarpal I | abduction of thumb radial nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Adductor Pollicis thumb |
capitate, metacarpals II & III | base of proximal phalanx of thumb | adduction & flexion of thumb ulnar nerve from C8 & T1 |
| Extensor Pollicis Longus thumb |
posterior radius and ulna | base of distal phalanx of thumb | extension of thumb radial nerve from C6, 7 & 8 |
| Extensor Pollicis Brevis thumb |
posterior radius and ulna | base of proximal phalanx of thumb | extension of thumb radial nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Flexor Pollicis Longus thumb |
anterior radius | base of distal phalanx of thumb | flexion of thumb media nerve from C8 & T1 |
| Opponens Pollicis thumb |
flexor retinaculum and tubercle of trapezium | radial side of metacarpal I | oppose the thumb median nerve from C6 & 7 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Extensor Carpi Ulnaris wrist |
lateral epicondyle of humerus via common extensor tendon, posterior proximal ulna | base of metacarpal V | adduction of wrist, extension radial nerve from C6, 7 & 8 |
| Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus wrist |
lateral epicondyle of humerus, lateral supracondylar ridge | base of metacarpal II | abduction of wrist, extension radial nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis wrist |
lateral epicondyle of humerus | base of metacarpal III | extension of wrist radial nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Flexor Carpi Radialis wrist |
medial epicondyle of humerus via common flexor tendon | base of metacarpal II and III | abduction of wrist, flexion median nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Flexor Carpi Ulnaris wrist |
medial epicondyle of humerus via common flexor tendon | pisiform | adduction of wrist, flexion ulnar nerve from C8 & T1 |
| Palmaris Longus wrist |
medial epicondyle of humerus via common flexor tendon | flexor retinaculum and palmar aponeurosis | flexion median nerve from C6 & 7 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Shoulder and Arm |
|||
| Pronator Teres radioulnar |
medial epicondyle of humerus via common flexor tendon, coronoid process of ulna | middle of lateral shaft of radius | pronation of forearm, flexion median nerve from C6 & 7 |
| Pronator Quadratus radioulnar |
distal fourth of anterior ulna | distal fourth of anterior radius | pronation of forearm median nerve from C8 & T1 |
| Supinator radioulnar |
lateral epicondyle of humerus, radial collateral and annular ligaments | lateral surface of proximal shaft of humerus | supination of forearm radial nerve from C6 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Brachioradialis elbow |
lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus | styloid process of radius | flexion of elbow radial nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Brachialis elbow |
distal 1/2 of anterior surface of humerus | ulnar tuberosity | flexion of elbow musculocutaneous nerve C5, 6 & 7 |
| Biceps Brachii elbow |
long head: supraglenoid tubercle of scapula short head: coracoid process of scapula |
radial tuberosity, aponeurosis of biceps brachii | flexion of elbow, shoulder, supination musculocutaneous nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Triceps Brachii elbow |
long head: infraglenoid tubercle of scapula lateral head: posterior surface of proximal 1/2 of humerus medial head: posterior surface of distal 1/2 of humerus |
olecranon process of elbow | extension of elbow, (long head) adduction of shoulder radial nerve from C7 & 8 |
| Anconeus elbow |
lateral epicondyle of humerus | olecranon process and upper posterior surface of ulna | extension of elbow radial nerve from C7 & 8 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Coracobrachialis shoulder |
coracoid process of scapula | medial surface of midshaft of humerus | adduction and flexion of shoulder musculocutaneous nerve from C5, 6 & 7 |
| Pectoralis Major shoulder |
medial half of clavicle, sternum, cartilage of ribs 1-6 | greater tubercle of humerus | flexion, adduction, medial rotation, horizonatal adduction of shoulder sternal head: medial pectoral nerve from C8 & T1, clavicular head: lateral pectoral nerve from C5, 6 & 7 |
| Deltoid shoulder |
lateral 1/3 of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula | deltoid tuberosity | anterior: flexion, medial rotation, horizontal adduction of shoulder; posterior: extension, lateral rotation, horizontal abduction of shoulder; middle, abduction axillary nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Latissimus Dorsi shoulder |
spinous processes of T6-T12, last 3-4 ribs, posterior iliac crest | lesser tubercle | extension, medial rotation, adduction of shoulder thoracodorsal nerve from C6, 7 & 8 |
| Teres Major shoulder |
lower half of lateral border of scapula, inferior angle | less tubercle | extension, medial rotation, adduction of shoulder lower subscapular nerve from C5 & 6 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Teres Minor rotator cuff |
superior half of lateral border of scapula | greater tubercle of humerus | lateral rotation, adduction of shoulder axillary nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Infraspinatus rotator cuff |
infraspinous fossa of scapula | greater tubercle of humerus | lateral rotation, adduction of shoulder suprascapular nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Supraspinatus rotator cuff |
supraspinous fossa of scapula | greater tubercle of humerus | abduction of shoulder suprascapular nerve from C5 & 6 |
| Subscapularis rotator cuff |
subscapular fossa of scapula | lesser tubercle of humerus | medial rotation of shoulder upper and lower subscapular nerve from C5 & 6 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Serratus Anterior scapula |
surfaces of upper 8 or 9 ribs | anterior surface of the medial border of the scapula | abduction of scapula, hold scapula against rib cage long thoracic nerve from C5, 6 & 7 |
| Pectoralis Minor scapula |
ribs 3-5 | coracoid process of scapula | depression, abduction, anterior tilt of scapula medial pectoral nerve from C8 & T1 |
| Levator Scapula scapula |
transverse processes of C1-C4 | medial border & superior angle of scapula | elevation, medial rotation of scapula dorsal scapular nerve from C5 & branches from C3 & 4 |
| Trapezius scapula |
external occipital protruberance, medial portion of superior nuchal line of occiput, ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes of C7-T12 | lateral portion of clavicle, acromion and spine of scapula | upper, elevation & upward rotation of scapula; middle, adduction of scapula; lower, depression & upward rotation of scapula accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) & branches from C3 & 4 |
| Rhomboids Major & Minor scapula |
major, spinous processes of T2-T5; minor, spinous process of C7-T1 | medial border of scapula between spine & inferior angle | elevation, downward rotation, adduction of scapula dorsal scapular nerve from C5 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Head, Neck & Face |
|||
| Temporalis jaw |
temporal fossa and fascia | coronoid process of mandible | elevate, retract mandible cranial nerve V (trigeminal) |
| Masseter jaw |
zygomatic arch | angle and ramus of mandible | elevate mandible cranial nerve V (trigeminal) |
| Suprahyoids jaw |
styloid process, underside of mandible | hyoid bone | depress mandible cranial nerve V (trigeminal) |
| Digastric jaw |
mastoid process | inferior border of mandible | hyoid fixed - depress mandible, retract jaw cranial nerves V, VII & X11 from C1 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Sternocleidomastoid neck |
sternal head, top of manubrium; clavicular head, medial 1/3 of clavicle | mastoid process of temporal bone, lateral superior nuchal line of occiput | unilateral, ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation; bilateral, flexion of neck, inspiration cranial nerve XI (accessory nerve) from C2 & 3 |
| Suboccipital Muscles neck |
axis (rectus capitis, posterior major & oblique capitis inferior); atlas (rectus capitis posterior minor & oblique capitis superior | atlas except oblique inferior - nuchal line of occiput | extend head except oblique inferior - ipsilateral rotation w/rectus capitis major |
| Splenius Cervicis neck |
spinous processes of T3-T6 | transverse processes of upper cervical vertebrae | unilateral, ipsilateral lateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation; bilateral, extend head dorsal rami of lower cervical nerves |
| Splenius Capitis neck |
ligamentus nuchae, spinous proceses of C7-T3 | mastoid process, lateral nuchal line | unilateral, ipsilateral lateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation; bilateral, extend head dorsal rami of lower cervical nerves |
| Scalenes neck |
transverse processes of C1-C7 | anterior & middle, 1st rib; posterior, 2nd rib | unilateral, flexion & contralateral rotation of neck; bilateral, flexion of neck, elevate ribs, inspiration ventral rami of cranial nerves 3-8 |
| Semispinalis neck |
transverse processes of T1-T12, articular processes of lower cervical vertebrae | spinous processes of upper thoracic, cervical vertebrae (except C1), superior nucahl line of occiput | extend vertebral column & head dorsal rami of spinal nerves |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Spine, Chest & Abdomen |
|||
| Erector Spinae Group (Iliocostalis - lateral, Longissiumus - longest, Spinalis - medial) spine |
common tendon (thoracolumbar aponeurosis), sacrus, iliac crest, spinous processes of T11-L5 | posterior ribs, spinous and transverse processes of cervical and thoracic vertebrae, mastoid process of temporal bone | unilateral, ipsilateral flexion; bilateral, extension of spine dorsal rami of spinal nerves |
| Transversospinalis Group (Multifidi & Rotatores) spine |
sacrum, transverse processes of lumbar and cervical vertebrae | spinous processes of all vertebrae from lumbar to C2 | all transverse to spinous process (multifidi 1+ segment, rotatores 1 segment); extension and contralateral rotation of spine dorsal rami of spinal nerves |
| Quadratus Lumborum spine |
posterior iliac crest, iliolumbar ligament | last rib, transverse processes of L1-L4 | unilateral, elevate hip, lateral flexion, extension of spine ventral rami from T12-L4 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Muscles of Respiration chest |
inspiration, pectoralis minor, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes & serratus anterior | expiration, abdominal muscles | primary, diaphragm |
| Intercostals chest |
inferior border of rib above | superior border of rib below | external, increase space between ribs; internal, decrease space |
| Diaphragm chest |
sternal head, inner part of xyphoid process; costal head, inner surface of lower 6 ribs; lumbar head, upper 2 or 3 lumbar vertebrae | central tendon | draw central tendon down, increase volume of thoracic cavity phrenic nerve from C3, 4 & 5 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Rectus Abdominus abdomen superficial |
crest of pubis, pubic symphysis | cartilage of ribs 5-7, xyphoid process | flexion of spine ventral rami of intercostal nerves from T7-T12 |
| External Oblique abdomen superficial |
lower 8 ribs | anterior part of iliac crest, abdominal aponeurosis to linea abla | unilateral, ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation; bilateral, flexion of thorax, compress abdominal contents ventral rami of intercostal nervces from T7-T12 & iliohypogastric & ilioinguinal nerves from L1 |
| Interal Oblique abdomen deep |
lateral inguinal ligament, iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia | cartilabe of lower 3 ribs, abdominal aponeurosis to linea alba | unilateral, ipsilateral lateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation; bilateral, flexion of thorax, compress abdominal contents ventral rami of intercostal nerves from T8-T12 & iliohypogastric & ilioinguinal nerves from L1 |
| Transverse Abdominus abdomen deep |
lateral inguinal ligament, iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia, cartilage of lower 6 ribs | abdominal aponeurosis to linea alba | compress abdominal contents ventral rami of intercostal nerves from T7-T12 & iliohypogastric & ilioinguinal nerves from L1 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Pelvis & Thigh |
|||
| Gluteus Maximus pelvis |
coccyx, posterior sacrum, posterior iliac crest, sacrotuberous and sacroiliac ligaments | gluteal tuberosity and iliotibial tract | extension, lateral rotation, abduction of hip inferior gluteal nerve from L5-S2 |
| Gluteus Medius pelvis |
external surface of the ilium between the iliac crest and the posterior and anterior gluteal line | greater trochanter | abduction, flexion, extension of hip superior gluteal nerve from L4-S1 |
| Gluteus Minimus pelvis |
external surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines | anterior border of greater trochanter | medial rotation, abduction, flexion of hip superior gluteal nerve from L4-S1 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Piriformis hip |
anterior surface of sacrum | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip sacral plexus (L4-S2) branches |
| Quadratus Femoris hip |
lateral border of ischial tuberosity | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip sacral plexus (L4-S2) branches |
| Obturator Externus hip |
superior and inferior ramus of pubis | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip obturator nerve from L3 & 4 |
| Obturator Internus hip |
obturator membrane and pelvic surface | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip sacral plexus (L4-S2) branches |
| Superior Gemellus hip |
spine of ischium | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip sacral plexus (L4-S2) branches |
| Inferior Gemellus hip |
ischial tuberosity | greater trochanter | lateral rotation of hip sacral plexus (L4-S2) branches |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Tensor Fascia Latae hip |
iliac crest posterior to the ASIS | iliotibial tract | medial rotation, flexion, abduction of hip superior gluteal nerve from L4-S1 |
| Sartorius hip |
anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) | proximal, medial shaft of the tibia | lateral rotation, flexion, abduction of hip, flex knee femoral nerve from L2-4 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Psoas Major hip |
bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae | lesser trochanter of the femur | flexion, lateral rotation, adduction of hip nerves from L2 & 3 directly |
| Iliacus hip |
iliac fossa | lesser trochanter of the femur | flexion, lateral rotation, adduction of hip femoral nerve from L2, 3 & 4 |
| Adductor Magnus hip |
pubis | linea aspera | adduction of hip anterior: obturator nerve from L2-4 posterior: sciatic nerve from L4-S3 |
| Adductor Longus hip |
pubis | linea aspera | adduction of hip obturator nerve from L3 & 4 |
| Adductor Brevis hip |
pubis | linea aspera | adduction of hip obturator nerve from L3 & 4 |
| Pectineus hip |
pubis | linea aspera | adduction of hip femoral nerve from L2-4 |
| Gracilis hip |
pubis | proximal & medial shaft of tibia at pes anserinus tendon | adduction of hip, assist with flexion |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Semitendinosis hip |
ischial tuberosity | proximal and medial tibia at pes anserinus tendon | extension, medial rotation of hip, flexion of knee tibial division of sciatic nerve from L5-S1 |
| Semimembranosus hip |
ischial tuberosity | posterior medial condyle of tibia | extension, medial rotation of hip, flexion of knee tibial division of sciatic nerve from L5-S1 |
| Biceps Femoris hip |
long head: ischial tuberosity short head: linea aspera |
head of the fibula | extension, lateral rotation of hip, flexion of knee long head: tibial division of sciatic nerve from S1-3 short head: peroneal division of sciatic nerve from L5-S2 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Rectus Femoris knee |
anterior inferior iliac spine (ASIS) | tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament | extension of knee, flexion of hip femoral nerve from L2-4 |
| Vastus Medialis knee |
linea aspera | tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament | extension of knee femoral nerve from L2-4 |
| Vastus Intermedius knee |
anterior and lateral shaft of femur | tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament | extension of knee femoral nerve from L2-4 |
| Vastus Lateralis knee |
linea aspera | tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament | extension of knee femoral nerve from L2-4 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
Muscles of the Leg & Foot |
|||
| Plantaris foot |
lateral epicondyle of femur | calcaneus via calcaneal tendon | plantar flexion tibial nerve from L4-S1 |
| Gastrocnemius foot |
posterior condyle of femur | calcaneus via calcaneal tendon | plantar flexion, flexion of knee tibial nerve from S1-2 |
| Soleus foot |
posterior tibia, soleal line, proximal posterior fibula | calcaneus via calcaneal tendon | plantar flexion tibial nerve from S1-2 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Tibialis Posterior foot |
posterior tibia, fibula, interosseus membrane | navicular, cuboid & lateral cuneiform bones | plantar flexion, inversion of foot tibial nerve from L5-S1 |
| Flexor Digitorum Longus foot |
posterior tibia | distal phalanges of lateral toes II-V | plantar flexion, inversion of foot, flexion of toes II-V tibial nerve from L5 & S1 |
| Flexor Hallicus Longus foot |
posterior tibia | base & distal phalanges of toe I | plantar flexion, inversion of foot, flexion of toe I tibial nerve from L5-S2 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Peroneus Longus foot |
proximal 2/3 of lateral fibula | base of metatarsal I, medial cuneiform | eversion superficial peroneal nerve from L4-S1 |
| Peroneus Brevis foot |
distal 2/3 of lateral fibula | tuberosity of metatarsal V | eversion superficial peroneal nerve from L4-S1 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
|
| Tibialis Anterior foot |
lateral condyle & lateral proximal shaft of tibia, interosseus membrance | base of metatarsal I, medial cuneiform | dorsiflexion deep peroneal nerve from L4-S1 |
| Extensor Digitorum Longus foot |
lateral tibial condyle, proximal shaft of fibula, interosseus membrane | middle & distal phalanges of toes II-V | dorsiflexion, extension of toes II-V deep peroneal nerve L4-S1 |
| Extensor Hallicus Longus foot |
middle, anterior fibula, interosseus membrane | base of distal phalanx of toe I | dorsiflexion, extension of toe I deep peroneal nerve L4-S1 |
Origin |
Insertion |
Action Innervation |
Skeletal Landmarks for CAM Practitioners
- Carpal Bones of the Hand:
- On (R)ight palm, radial aspect to ulnar aspect (thumb/I to pinky/V)
- Proximal Row: Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform
- Distal Row: Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate
Sources and More Information
There are many resources which discuss the human anatomy both from a western perspective and how it may apply to the variety of complementary and alternative styles of medicine. Our Anatomy and Physiology Resources section contains a comprehensive list of useful texts and internet resources. The sources that were used for this section are:
- Anderson, Sandy K.: Desert Institute of Healing Arts, Anatomy and Physiology Lecture Notes
- Markus, Stephen F.: New England School of Acupuncture, Living Anatomy and Structural Analysis Lecture Notes
