Anconeus – Anatomy Breakdown

Nov 11

Treadwell, DPT | Muscle by Muscle Series

Watch the Episode

Watch on YouTube: Anconeus – Anatomy Breakdown

In this episode, Dr. Austin Treadwell, DPT highlights the Anconeus — the small but strategic muscle sitting just behind your elbow.
It’s often overlooked, but this one quietly keeps your elbow stable, your triceps efficient, and your movement controlled.

The thumbnail for the Anconeus Anatomy Video by Austin Treadwell DPT including origin, insertion, action, innervation, and clinical tidbits

Overview

The Anconeus is a short triangular muscle on the posterior aspect of the elbow, bridging the humerus and ulna.
Though small, it plays an important role in elbow extension, joint stability, and fine-tuned load control between the humerus, radius, and ulna.

It works in harmony with the Triceps Brachii, acting as both an assistant extensor and a stabilizer during high-load pressing or catching movements.
Clinically, it’s relevant in elbow tendinopathies, post-surgical stiffness, and proprioceptive control.

Origin & Insertion

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
Insertion: Lateral surface of the olecranon and proximal ulna

Its oblique fiber orientation helps distribute extension forces evenly across the elbow joint, reducing stress on the triceps tendon and capsule.

Function

Primary: Assists triceps in elbow extension
Secondary: Stabilizes the elbow joint during pronation, supination, and load transfer
Tertiary: May help abduct the ulna during forearm pronation to maintain joint alignment

EMG studies show consistent low-level Anconeus activity during nearly all upper-limb tasks involving elbow extension or rotation — a clear indicator of its stabilizing role (Lopes et al., 2023).

Innervation & Blood Supply

Innervation: Radial nerve (C7–C8)
Blood Supply: Deep brachial and recurrent interosseous arteries

Clinical & Training Insights

Post-elbow surgery or injury, early activation of the Anconeus can improve proprioception and joint control.
In lateral elbow pain, tenderness near the lateral epicondyle may involve both Anconeus and Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis — don’t overlook it.
Because it’s always active at low intensity, isometric triceps activation or band-resisted extension can maintain Anconeus tone without aggravating tissue.
In lifting and throwing athletes, ensuring Anconeus endurance helps maintain elbow integrity under repetitive load.

Clinical insight: MRI work has shown that the Anconeus contributes to capsular tensioning — important for preventing posterior impingement and maintaining extension control (Okamoto et al., 2022).*

Clinical Relevance

The Anconeus is a stabilizer first, mover second.
Its synergy with the triceps and capsule makes it vital for joint congruency and extension efficiency — especially in activities involving rapid force transitions like pressing, pitching, or throwing.
Understanding it helps refine both upper-limb rehab and performance programming.

Take the Next Step

You’ve got the anatomy down — now put it into motion.
If you’re a clinician, let’s talk elbow stability and triceps synergy.
If you’re a lifter or thrower, let’s talk arm endurance and injury prevention.
And if you’re recovering from elbow pain or post-surgery stiffness — this is where anatomy meets recovery.

𖤓 Watch more breakdowns on YouTube: Treadwell, DPT – Muscle by Muscle Series
𖤓 Book a Virtual Consultation: TreadwellDPT.com/appointments
𖤓 Download free PT tools & anatomy resources: TreadwellDPT.com/resources

Much more in store; even more to come.
Stay tuned, stay locked. Treadwell, DPT. 🏹

Austin Treadwell