Which action does the anconeus assist with?

The anconeus muscle plays a significant role in the extension of the elbow. It is a small triangular muscle located at the posterior aspect of the elbow joint. Although its primary function is to assist the triceps brachii during elbow extension, it also stabilizes the elbow during this movement. By contributing to the extension of the forearm at the elbow joint, the anconeus is particularly important for activities that require pushing or extending the arm, thereby supporting the overall function of the upper limb.

This musculature has minimal involvement in other actions such as shoulder flexion or forearm pronation, where other muscles play predominant roles. Additionally, the anconeus has little to do with elbow flexion, which is primarily accomplished by muscles such as the biceps brachii and brachialis. Thus, recognizing the specific contribution of the anconeus to elbow extension helps clarify its anatomical and functional significance in relation to the arm's movement.