Triceps

Triceps (Triceps Brachii)

The triceps brachii, commonly known as "triceps," is a large, thick muscle located on the dorsal (back) part of the upper arm. It has three heads: a long head, a lateral head, and a medial head. The long head originates from the scapula (shoulder blade), while the lateral and medial heads originate from the humerus (upper arm bone). All three heads converge into a single tendon that attaches to the olecranon process (bony prominence) of the ulna bone in the forearm.

The primary function of the triceps is the extension of the elbow joint, meaning it straightens the arm and opposes the action of the biceps. The long head, due to its attachment to the scapula, also has a small action on the shoulder joint, assisting with extension and adduction of the arm.