Original Editor - Kate Sampson,

Top Contributors - Kate Sampson, Nina Myburg, Kim Jackson and Joao Costa;


The supinator muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. As its name suggests, it is the prime supinator of the forearm.[1]


The supinator is a broadly-shaped muscle in the superior and posterior compartment of the forearm, It curves around the upper third of the radius and consists of two layers of fibres. In between these layers lies the deep branch of the radial nerve.[1]


The supinator muscle has a broad origin from the ulna and humerus. The two layers of fibres originate in common from the supinator crest of the ulna, the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, the radial collateral ligament and the annular radial ligament. The superficial layer of fibres has a tendinous origin and surround the upper part of the radius. The deeper layer of fibres encircles the neck of the radius above the radial tuberosity.[2]


Proximal third of the radius on the anterolateral and posterior surface, distal to the radial tuberosity. [2]


The supinator muscle is innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve, that becomes the posterior interosseous nerve upon exiting the supinator muscle (C5, C6) [3]


The main function of the supinator is to supinate the forearm. This can be done with the elbow in any position of flexion or extension. Supinator works with biceps brachii if powerful supination is required. However, biceps brachii is unable to supinate when the elbow is extended.[3]

Clinical Relevance

The radial nerve divides into deep and sensory superficial branches just proximal to the supinator muscle. This can lead to entrapment and compression of the deep branch and could potentially result in selective paralysis of the muscles served by this nerve. Many possible causes are known for this nerve syndrome (known as supinator entrapment syndrome) including compression by various soft-tissued masses surrounding the nerve, and stress caused by repetitive supination and pronation


Place the patient's arm and elbow in extension with the forearm in mid-position. Actively resist supination and palpate along the posterior part of the proximal third of the radius. [3]



  1. 1.0 1.1 Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. Twentieth edition. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 918 Available from: [Accessed 23 May 2019]
  2. 2.0 2.1 Martini FH. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology. Seventh Edition. Pearson Education Inc; 2006.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Palastanga N, Field D, Soames R. Anatomy and human movement. Structure and function. 5th ed. London: Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier; 2006

Elbow - Muscles