Brachioradialis origin and insertion
Brachioradialis runs from the humerus to the radius.
What are the origin and insertion of brachioradialis?
Brachioradialis arises from the upper two-thirds of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus. It inserts on the side of the base of the radius’s styloid process. Its main action is elbow flexion. It is supplied by the radial nerve (C5, C6). The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).
Every attachment and its bone
Origin 1
| Attachment | Bone |
|---|---|
| Upper two-thirds of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus | Humerus |
Insertion 1
| Attachment | Bone |
|---|---|
| Side of the base of the radius’s styloid process | Radius |
Actions
| Action | What moves | Main or assisting |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow flexion | The forearm bends up | Main action |
Each action is stated in the anatomical position: standing, arms by the sides, palms forward.
Innervation
The radial nerve (C5, C6).
Lifts that use brachioradialis
A prime mover produces the lift’s main joint action against the load; a synergist assists that action, or adds a secondary action the lift needs. Each role is the one the lift’s own page gives, for the technique that page states.
Synergist in 5
| Lift | What it does there |
|---|---|
| Bent-over barbell row | Elbow flexion with the forearm turned down |
| Pull-up | Elbow flexion with the forearm turned down |
| Chin-up | Elbow flexion |
| Lat pulldown | Elbow flexion with the forearm turned down |
| Barbell biceps curl | Elbow flexion |
Sources
- Gray (1918), Myology, the muscles and fasciae of the forearm
Each lift role is from that lift’s page in muscles worked by exercise, which names the sources it follows.
The values are facts and free to use; this page’s selection and presentation are © 2026 ScienceQuest.