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Anatly

Pronator teres: origin, insertion, nerve supply and action

Quick answer

The pronator teres is a forearm muscle that turns the palm downward. Its humeral head arises from the medial epicondyle and its ulnar head from the coronoid process of the ulna. It inserts on the lateral radial shaft. The median nerve supplies it.

Key facts

OriginHumeral head: medial epicondyle of the humerus. Ulnar head: coronoid process of the ulna.
InsertionPronator tuberosity on the middle of the lateral surface of the radius.
InnervationMedian nerve (C6-C7).
Blood supplyUlnar artery and radial artery.
ActionPronates the forearm and weakly flexes the elbow.
3D model of the pronator teres shown with nearby bones

3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.

About the pronator teres

The median nerve passes between the two heads of the pronator teres, and the muscle forms the medial border of the cubital fossa.

Clinical relevance

Frequently asked questions

What does the pronator teres do?

It rotates the forearm so the palm faces down.

Which nerve passes between its two heads?

The median nerve.

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