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musculus triceps brachii

musculus triceps brachii

5.9
A large muscle at the back of the upper arm that straightens the elbow
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌskjələs ˈtraɪsɛps ˈbreɪkiˌaɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : músculo tríceps braquial
  • During a push-up, the musculus triceps brachii contracts forcefully to lift the body.

Examples

  • The musculus triceps brachii is essential for straightening the elbow joint.

  • Injury to the musculus triceps brachii can severely limit arm extension.

  • The musculus triceps brachii is essential for arm extension.

  • He injured his musculus triceps brachii while lifting weights.

  • During a push-up, the musculus triceps brachii contracts forcefully to lift the body.

  • Injury to the musculus triceps brachii can severely limit arm extension.

  • The musculus triceps brachii is essential for straightening the elbow joint.

Synonyms

triceps brachii
vsmusculus triceps brachii
  • Specialized
5.6

A large muscle at the back of the upper arm that straightens the forearm at the elbow

is the same but specifies three origin points
triceps
vsmusculus triceps brachii
  • Specialized
3.9

A large muscle at the back of the upper arm with three parts that straightens the arm

is specific to the human upper arm and its forearm extension

Surface Forms

Morphology

musculus + triceps + brachii

The term is fully compositional: 'musculus' = muscle, 'triceps' = three-headed (tri- + ceps) and 'brachii' = of the arm, so the phrase literally denotes the three‑headed muscle of the arm responsible for extension. Although technical and Latinized, the parts follow standard anatomical naming conventions (common across many languages), so a learner who knows the constituent elements can transparently derive the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Musculus triceps brachii comes from Latin words. musculus means 'little mouse' because people thought muscles looked like small mice under the skin, triceps means 'three-headed', and brachii means 'of the arm', so the name points to the 'three-headed muscle of the upper arm that straightens the elbow'.