Active elbow extension is primarily produced by which muscle?

Active elbow extension is primarily produced by which muscle?

• A. Anconeus
• B. Triceps
• C. Biceps
• D. Brachioradialis

Answer: (B)

Active elbow extension is produced primarily by the triceps brachii. This large muscle runs along the back of the upper arm and has three heads that cross the elbow, inserting on the olecranon of the ulna. When the triceps contracts, it pulls the olecranon backward, straightening the forearm. The anconeus helps with elbow extension and provides joint stabilization, especially at the end of the movement or under load, but its role is secondary to the triceps. The biceps brachii and brachioradialis are flexors of the elbow, not extensors, so they oppose extension rather than drive it. Thus, the triceps is the primary muscle responsible for active elbow extension.

Active elbow extension is produced primarily by the triceps brachii. This large muscle runs along the back of the upper arm and has three heads that cross the elbow, inserting on the olecranon of the ulna. When the triceps contracts, it pulls the olecranon backward, straightening the forearm. The anconeus helps with elbow extension and provides joint stabilization, especially at the end of the movement or under load, but its role is secondary to the triceps. The biceps brachii and brachioradialis are flexors of the elbow, not extensors, so they oppose extension rather than drive it. Thus, the triceps is the primary muscle responsible for active elbow extension.