Biceps (short head) !
The short head of the biceps is the inner part of the biceps, starting at the coracoid process; it bends the elbow and turns the palm up.
Official name: Biceps brachii, short head
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What it is
The inner head of the biceps, from the coracoid.
What it does
Bends the elbow and turns the palm up.
Key facts
- Origin
- Tip of the coracoid process
- Insertion
- Radial tuberosity and bicipital aponeurosis
- Action
- Supinates the forearm, flexes the elbow, weakly flexes the shoulder
- Nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve (C5–C6)
- Blood supply
- Brachial artery
Relations
- Above
- Coracoid process, with the coracobrachialis medially and the pectoralis minor above
- Lateral
- Biceps (long head)
- Medial
- Coracobrachialis above, then the brachial artery and the median nerve in the groove along its medial border
- Deep
- Brachialis, with the musculocutaneous nerve between the two
- Below
- The cubital fossa, where the distal biceps tendon dives to the radial tuberosity and the aponeurosis fans medially over the forearm flexors
How to find it
It is the medial half of the biceps belly. With the elbow bent and the forearm turned palm up against resistance, the distal biceps tendon stands out as a firm cord in the middle of the cubital fossa, and the bicipital aponeurosis as a sharp edge running medially.
Examination
- Hook test: elbow bent 90° and forearm supinated, the examiner hooks a finger under the lateral edge of the distal tendon; no tendon to hook means a complete distal rupture
- Biceps squeeze test: squeezing the belly normally turns the forearm palm up; no movement suggests a distal rupture
On imaging
Ultrasound and MRI show its origin with the coracobrachialis as the conjoint tendon at the coracoid tip; it merges with the long head in the arm. Distal biceps tears are imaged with ultrasound or MRI in the FABS position: a full tear shows a gap and a retracted tendon end, often with fluid at the radial tuberosity. Radiographs are usually normal.
Clinical notes
- Distal biceps rupture typically affects middle-aged men lifting against a sudden load; supination power drops markedly, and an intact aponeurosis can limit how far the belly retracts
- The conjoint tendon is the safe-side landmark in anterior shoulder surgery: the brachial plexus and axillary vessels lie medial to it
- In the cubital fossa a deep needle through the aponeurosis can reach the brachial artery or the median nerve
Anatomical variants
- A third head, usually from the humerus near the coracobrachialis insertion, joins the main belly in a few percent (2–5% on the cited page; some texts more)
Memory aid
Cubital fossa from lateral to medial: 'TAN', Tendon (biceps), Artery (brachial), Nerve (median).
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where does the short head of biceps arise, and which muscle shares its tendon?
The tip of the coracoid process, in a conjoint tendon with the coracobrachialis.
What is the hook test for the distal biceps tendon?
Elbow bent 90°, forearm supinated, the examiner hooks a finger under the lateral edge of the tendon; no tendon to hook means a complete distal rupture.
What lies medial to the distal biceps tendon in the cubital fossa?
The brachial artery, and further medial the median nerve.
What does the bicipital aponeurosis cover, and what lies on top of it?
It covers the brachial artery and median nerve; the median cubital vein, used for venepuncture, lies on top of it.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- caput breve musculi bicipitis brachii TA2 2466
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Cabeza corta del músculo bíceps braquial
- English (TA2)
- Biceps brachii, short head
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Biceps Muscle.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.