What are biceps?

Biceps muscles are any group of muscles in the body that have two heads or points of origin. In humans, the two main biceps in the body are the biceps brachii and the biceps femoris.
- The first bicep brachii includes the large muscle on the front side of the upper arm, which is involved in the pulling in of the forearm toward the elbow.
- Another bicep (femoris) pulls the thigh near the trunk.
The biceps muscle consists of two heads and a muscle belly. The muscle belly is attached to the bones with the help of tendons (muscle heads). When the belly contracts, it pulls the forearm (or thigh) up and rotates it outward. It also helps transmit forces produced by the muscle belly to control the movement of the leg at the knee joint.
Basic anatomy of biceps brachii

The biceps brachii is one of the chief muscles located in the front (anterior) compartment of the arm. It is a large muscle that lies on the front of the upper arm between the shoulder and the elbow. It works across three joints and is able to generate movements of the shoulder and elbow.
The biceps muscle consists of a short head and a long head distinguished according to their origin at the coracoid process and winged-shaped bone in the upper back forming part of the shoulder joint (supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula). Both heads of the biceps join in the middle-upper arm to form a common muscle belly. As the muscle extends distally, the two heads rotate 90 degrees and join to attach to the radius (bone in the forearm) as the biceps tendon.
Functions of biceps brachii
Biceps brachii is a double-headed muscle that has two points of origin. It is a bi-articular muscle that helps control the motion of shoulder and elbow joints.
- The primary function of the muscle is flexion of the elbow and turning of the forearm (supination).
- The function of the biceps at the elbow is essential for the function of the forearm in lifting and pulling.
- The function at the shoulder is less pronounced playing a minor role in moving the arms forward, upward, and sideways.
Biceps brachii is one of the most variable muscles and is possible to have three to seven heads originating at the bone of the upper arm (humerus). The size of the biceps brachii is a conventional symbol of bodily strength. Exercise can improve the tone and appearance and increase the size of the biceps brachii.

SLIDESHOW
Pictures of the 7 Riskiest Workout Moves, and How to Improve Them See SlideshowBasic anatomy of biceps femoris
It is a long muscle of the back compartment (posterior) of the thigh. It has a long and short head originating from the ischium and hip bones, respectively. The long head forms the part of the hamstrings muscle group and occupies the posterior section of the thigh.
The two muscle heads join together away from the head and unite in an intricate fashion. The short head of the biceps femoris joins the belly of the long head in its deep surface as it descends into the thigh.
Functions of biceps femoris

These muscles provide bending (flexion) at the knee and extension at the hip when they contract. When the thigh is flexed, the hamstring muscles help tilt the pelvis backward. The muscle is important for knee flexion, internal and external rotation, and hip extension.
Tight hamstrings sometimes are associated with lower back pain. This muscle can be used to administer intramuscular injections. Overuse of the muscle could result in the tearing of the muscles and ligaments.
Health News
- After Salmonella Cases Double in a Week, Cantaloupe Recall Expanded
- COVID Vaccines Curbed Pandemic-Linked Surge in Preemie Births
- Could a 'Brain Coach' Help Folks at Higher Risk for Alzheimer's?
- Early Promise for Stem Cell Therapy to Curb MS
- Internet Poses No Threat to Mental Health, Major Study Finds
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
StatPearls
Clinical Anatomy
Top Where Are Your Biceps Related Articles
Diabetes & Weights
Watch this slideshow on Diabetes and Exercise. If you have diabetes, see how strengthening your muscles with these 10 weight training exercise moves can help control your blood sugar.Is a Muscle Strain the Same as a Muscle Tear?
What is the difference between a muscle strain and a muscle tear?Is Muscle Twitching Normal After Exercise?
Many people find that their muscles twitch after exercise. Learn the signs of muscle twitches, what causes muscle twitches, how doctors diagnose muscle twitches, and what you can do to treat muscle twitches.Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have voluntary control, including some organs, are subject to cramp. Since there is such variety in the types of muscle cramps that can occur, many causes and preventative medications are known. Stretching is the most common way to stop or prevent most muscle cramps.Muscle Cramps: Foods That Help and Prevent Cramping
One way to prevent muscle cramps is to get enough of these nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. They’re called electrolytes, and you can find them in these foods.Muscle Cramps: Treatment
Muscle cramps cannot be stopped instantly with injections or pills, but some methods can be useful to relieve them which include stretching, massage, application of heat and cold, walking and taking B vitamins.Muscle Pain (Myofascial Pain Syndrome)
Muscle pain (myofascial pain syndrome) is muscle pain in the body's soft tissues due to injury or strain. Symptoms include muscle pain with tender points and fatigue. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, massage therapy, or trigger point injection.Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that come on suddenly and are usually quite painful. Dehydration, doing strenuous exercise in a hot environment, prolonged muscle use, and certain diseases of the nervous system may cause muscle spasms. Symptoms and signs of a muscle spasm include an acute onset of pain and a possible bulge seen or felt beneath the skin where the muscle is located. Gently stretching the muscle usually resolves a muscle spasm.Men's Muscle-Building
Want bulging biceps and a bigger chest? Our experts demonstrate the right moves to help men build bigger muscles with just two efficient workouts each week.Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.What Are the Muscles in the Arms?
The arm is the part of the upper extremity between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint. It has a bone called the humerus, which is attached to the trunk with the help of the shoulder blade (scapula). The joint between the scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus is called the glenohumeral joint.What Is the Best Thing for Sore Muscles?
Exercise may be vital for overall health and longevity, but it comes with pains and sprains. After a robust exercise session, your muscles may get sore or stiff. Slight soreness is a normal response to exercise, but there are good and bad soreness. Soreness should last for a day or two; if it lasts for more than 2 days along with signs of persistent pain, black-and-blue hued bruising, and numbness, then immediately consult a physician.When Should I Worry About Muscle Twitching?
What is muscle twitching, and how do you recognize it? Muscle twitching is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of muscle twitching, what causes it, when to see a doctor, and how to treat it. Sore muscles after exercise is normal and a sign your muscles are repairing themselves. Extreme soreness, however, may be a sign that you've overdone it.