Introduction
In between the shoulder joint and elbow joint, the part is known as the upper arm. The upper arms are very helpful to lift the weight. And they keep our hands flexible to do many things in the daily routine. These upper arms have four different muscles. Among all the four muscles, the biceps muscle plays a crucial role. Let's learn more about this muscle.
The upper arms show how to compartments. Namely anterior compartment and posterior compartment. The anterior compartment closest to three muscles among all four. They are -
Biceps Brachii
Brachialis
Coracobrachialis
These can be remembered easily as BBC.
The biceps muscle contains one long head and one short head.
Biceps Functions
The biceps muscle performs various functions to give support and protection to the hand along with the whole body. Some of the functions of biceps muscle are -
Its major function is to create flexibility in the shoulder and to improve the suspension of the forearm.
It also helps in elevating the shoulder up to 90°.
A strong biceps muscle gives a great look and shape to the body, especially for men.
Various Conditions of the Biceps Muscle
The bicep muscle got pain in different conditions. These conditions may vary from one scenario to another. The bicep muscle pain is also called the bicep tendon. Different types of biceps pains are as follows-
Biceps Strain
Biceps strain is caused by pulling the biceps, overstretching, or damaging the fibers. The usual symptoms are swelling and pain in middle of bicep muscle.
Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture
If the rapture has taken place between the two bicep muscles in the bone. It may lead to severe pain and sometimes shape out of the shoulder.
Biceps Contracture
It is the most severe case of biceps injuries. After this attack, the bicep muscle is completely bent, and the performance of the shoulder, elbow, and overall hand will be reduced. The patient can suffer severe pain in middle of bicep.
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
If a fracture occurs at the forearm, this may affect the connected bicep muscle and gives a sudden pain at the elbow and slight weakness in the forearm. It is another kind of bicep pain, which can't be exposed.
Proximal Biceps Tendonitis
If the same substance were repeated multiple times, then it is termed proximal biceps tendonitis. Severe biceps pain can be observed here.
Clinical Examinations
Clinical examinations to be performed to understand the condition of the biceps muscle. The advanced technology and sophisticated lab equipment have introduced several methods of examination and diagnosing bicep pain. Some of them are-
A CT scanner helps to take multiple X - rays of the injured biceps muscle and gives a complete picture on the computer screen.
An MRI scan is more advanced than a CT scan, giving a detailed picture of the biceps muscle and surrounded structures.
Ultrasound scanning is a device used to provide pictures of the internal structure of the biceps muscle by placing it on the injured part. Some sound vibrations and these vibrations can be converted into a pictorial form visible on the computer screen.
Ferguson's test is used to check the condition of biceps muscle by asking the injured person to raise his elbow to 90°. Based on the complexity of raising his hand, the doctor will understand the condition of the biceps muscle.
Speed test is another test used to refer to the required scan for the person by a physician. The person is asked to hold the arm at the elbow, and the doctor starts pressing at the affected area.
Treatment for Biceps Pain
Considering the severity of biceps pain, multiple treatments are available now. They are as follows-
Protecting, resting, applying ice to get relief from the biceps pain in. It is known as ice therapy.
Wrapping and compressing the shoulder with a bandage to allow the internal structure to set and heal slowly and normally.
Pain relievers help the patients to get relief from the pain slowly. But these should be intake by the patient according to the prescribed dose given by his physician. The overdose may lead to side effects.
Physiotherapy is an exercise to create the moment from the injured biceps muscle.
All these are non-surgical methods of treatment for biceps muscle tendons. If the severity is very high, some surgical methods are also available to cure the biceps muscle tendons.
Conclusion
The biceps muscle is a muscle that is located below the shoulder and above the elbow. It helps to give structure and support to the hand to perform various activities. As a tibia bone helps to hold the whole weight of our body, the biceps muscle helps to hold other weight by our body.
FAQs on Biceps Muscle
1. What is the biceps brachii muscle?
The biceps brachii, commonly known as the biceps, is a prominent two-headed muscle located in the anterior (front) compartment of the upper arm. It spans between the shoulder and the elbow. Its name 'biceps brachii' is Latin for 'two-headed muscle of the arm', referring to its two points of origin at the scapula (shoulder blade).
2. What are the main functions of the biceps muscle in the human body?
The biceps muscle has two primary functions that are crucial for arm movement. These are:
- Flexion of the elbow: This is the action of bending the arm, bringing the forearm closer to the upper arm, such as when lifting an object.
- Supination of the forearm: This is the rotation of the forearm that turns the palm upwards or forwards. The biceps is the most powerful supinator, essential for actions like turning a screwdriver or a doorknob.
3. How do the biceps and triceps muscles work together to move the forearm?
The biceps and triceps work as an antagonistic pair to control movement at the elbow joint. When you want to bend your arm, the biceps (the agonist) contracts and shortens, while the triceps (the antagonist) on the back of the arm relaxes and lengthens. To straighten the arm, the opposite occurs: the triceps contracts, and the biceps relaxes. This coordinated action ensures smooth and controlled movement.
4. Where do the biceps brachii muscles originate and insert?
The specific points of attachment are key to the biceps' function. As a two-headed muscle, it has two origin points on the scapula:
- The short head originates from the coracoid process of the scapula.
- The long head originates from the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.
Both heads then merge and insert as a single tendon onto the radial tuberosity of the radius bone in the forearm.
5. Is the biceps muscle only for flexing the elbow, or does it have other roles?
No, while elbow flexion is its most famous role, it is not the only one. A critically important function of the biceps brachii is the supination of the forearm. In fact, it is the primary muscle responsible for turning the palm to face upwards. It also plays a minor role in flexing the arm at the shoulder joint, helping to lift the entire arm forward.
6. What is the difference between the long head and short head of the biceps?
The main difference lies in their origin points and their path. The short head originates from the coracoid process and runs straight down the arm. The long head originates from the supraglenoid tubercle, and its tendon uniquely passes through the capsule of the shoulder joint, helping to stabilise the head of the humerus. While they work together for flexion and supination, their different origins contribute to stability and movement at the shoulder joint as well.
7. Besides the biceps, what other muscles assist in flexing the elbow?
While the biceps is the most visible flexor, it is not the strongest. It works with other muscles, known as synergists, to bend the elbow. The two main synergists are:
- Brachialis: This muscle lies underneath the biceps and is the most powerful flexor of the elbow.
- Brachioradialis: This muscle is most prominent on the thumb side of the forearm and assists primarily in quick flexion movements.
Together, these three muscles provide power and control for all elbow flexion activities.
8. What type of lever system does the biceps create when lifting a weight?
When flexing the elbow, the biceps muscle operates as a Class 3 lever. In this system, the effort (applied by the biceps tendon at the radius) is located between the fulcrum (the elbow joint) and the load (the weight in the hand). This type of lever system sacrifices mechanical advantage for a greater range of motion and speed, which is a common characteristic of musculoskeletal systems in the body.
