The triceps tendon originates in the middle of the triceps muscle and connects to the elbow bones. It's a strong, fibrous tissue crucial for elbow extension.
Understanding the Triceps and its Tendon
The triceps brachii, often called the triceps, is a large muscle located on the back of your upper arm. As its name suggests, ("three-headed muscle of the arm"), it has three heads: the long head, the medial head, and the lateral head. ^1 These heads converge to form a single tendon that inserts into the olecranon process of the ulna, one of the two bones in your forearm. [^2, ^3] This insertion point is where the tendon connects to the elbow.
Location Details:
- Origin: Middle of the triceps muscle.
- Insertion: Olecranon process of the ulna (elbow bone).
- Pathway: Runs down the back of the upper arm, attaching to the elbow.
Triceps Tendon Issues:
Overuse or injury can lead to inflammation (triceps tendonitis) or even rupture of the triceps tendon. [^4, ^5, ^6, ^7] Symptoms often include pain and tenderness in the shoulder, elbow, or along the triceps muscle itself, especially when using the arm. [^8] A complete rupture often requires surgical repair. [^9]
[^4]: Florida Orthopaedic Institute
[^5]: Hand And Wrist Institute
[^7]: Mammoth Orthopaedic Institute
[^8]: Florida Orthopaedic Institute
[^9]: Mammoth Orthopaedic Institute
