Abstract
Introduction There are a variety of anatomical variations which can be observed during dissection, diagnosis and surgical procedures. These variations are equally important from a clinical as well as an academic point of view. This report discusses the additional head of the biceps branchii. Case report We noticed the third head of biceps brachii during dissection; the head was arising from the fascia covering the brachialis muscle and getting inserted on the radial tuberosity after merging with the long and short heads of biceps. Conclusion The supernumerary head may have both positive and negative effects. Clinical significance lies in the fact that this additional head may cause compression of musculocutaneous nerve, median nerve and brachial artery, which are in close relation with it and produce compression symptoms.
Highlights
There are a variety of anatomical variations which can be observed during dissection, diagnosis and surgical procedures
Double-headed biceps brachii is a powerful supinator and flexor of forearm that is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve (Mc)
Conjoint tendon of the long and short head gets inserted on the posterior aspect of radial tuberosity[1,2]
Summary
The supernumerary head may have both positive and negative effects. Clinical significance lies in the fact that this additional head may cause compression of Mc, median nerve and brachial artery, which are in close relation with it and produce compression symptoms. Any variation is not apparent until it hinders the normal function of an individual. It is worth exploring these variations from academic, diagnostic and clinical point of view. As the name implies, ‘biceps’, a Latin origin word, stands for bi (two) + ceps (stem - cipit); two headed. We believe that the term ‘biceps’ is a misnomer because it has been observed with 3, 4 and even 7 supernumerary heads. It would be inappropriate to refer to this muscle as ‘biceps’
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