Muscle Origin and Insertion

Brian Lee
Jun 11, 2025
Reviewed

In anatomy, the origin and insertion of a muscle refer to the points where the muscle attaches to bones or other structures in the body. These terms help describe the function of the muscle and how it contributes to movement.

Movement

Origin

Stationary during action

Insertion

Moves during action

Location

Origin

Proximal (closer to center)

Insertion

Distal (further from center)

Role in Action

Origin

Anchor for contraction

Insertion

Site of force application

Example

💪 Biceps

• Origin: The biceps brachii originates at the scapula (shoulder blade).
• Insertion: It inserts into the radius (forearm bone).
• Action: When the biceps contract, the insertion (radius) moves closer to the origin (scapula), bending the elbow.