Triceps brachii

Triceps · Arms

Origin: Long head: infraglenoid tubercle; lateral and medial heads: back of the humerus
Insertion: Olecranon of the ulna
Action: Extends the elbow; the long head also extends the arm

The three-headed muscle on the back of the upper arm and the main elbow extensor. Every press, dip and push-up needs it; overhead extensions stretch the long head most.

Main exercises

Also works in

Triceps brachii anatomy page →

Exercises that train the triceps brachii

Parallel bar dip — main mover
Triceps pushdown — main mover
Lying triceps extension — main mover
Barbell bench press — assists
Incline bench press — assists
Push-up — assists
Overhead press — assists

Nearby muscles

Biceps brachii
Brachialis
Brachioradialis
Forearm flexors
Forearm extensors