Muscle
Pronator teres
Proximal forearm pronator
High-yield
The median nerve usually enters the forearm between the humeral and ulnar heads. Pronator teres also forms the medial boundary of the cubital fossa.
Overview
This oblique muscle crosses from the medial elbow to the outer side of the radius. By pulling the radius across the ulna, it works with pronator quadratus to turn the palm downward.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Humeral head: medial epicondylar region and adjacent supracondylar ridge; ulnar head: coronoid process
- Insertion
- Lateral surface of the middle radial shaft
- Action
- Pronates the forearm and makes a smaller contribution to elbow flexion
- Innervation
- Median nerve, chiefly C6-C7
- Blood supply
- Ulnar, radial and brachial-system branches, including recurrent vessels at the elbow
Clinical correlation
Compression near the muscle can produce proximal median neuropathy, with forearm discomfort, altered sensation or weakness. Its symptoms can overlap with carpal tunnel syndrome, so symptom timing alone is not a reliable separator.
Frequently asked questions
What does the pronator teres do?
The pronator teres pronates the forearm and makes a smaller contribution to elbow flexion.
What nerve innervates the pronator teres?
The pronator teres is innervated by the median nerve, chiefly C6-C7.
Where does the pronator teres attach?
Origin: Humeral head: medial epicondylar region and adjacent supracondylar ridge; ulnar head: coronoid process. Insertion: Lateral surface of the middle radial shaft.
What is the blood supply of the pronator teres?
The pronator teres is supplied by the ulnar, radial and brachial-system branches, including recurrent vessels at the elbow.