Anatomy

Explore body regions and their muscles, bones, and joints — each overview includes a 'How to say it' pronunciation guide with audio.

Shoulder

5 muscles

The shoulder connects the arm to the trunk. It is built for a very large range of motion, which makes it mobile but also relatively less stable than joints like the hip. It is really a complex of several joints working together, moved and controlled by many muscles.

Simplified front view of the right shoulder showing the clavicle, scapula, and humerus, with the deltoid muscle shaded as a cap over the shoulder joint. — Shoulder region — bones and the deltoid (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the shoulder's three bones and the location of the deltoid over the glenohumeral joint.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Clavicle/KLAV-ih-kul/
Scapula/SKAP-yoo-luh/
Humerus/HYOO-mer-us/
Glenohumeral joint/glee-no-HYOO-mer-ul/
Deltoid/DEL-toyd/
Supraspinatus/soo-pra-spy-NAY-tus/
Infraspinatus/in-fra-spy-NAY-tus/
Subscapularis/sub-scap-you-LAIR-iss/
Teres minor/TEH-reez MY-nor/
Acromioclavicular joint/ah-KRO-mee-o-klah-VIK-you-lar/

Bones

Clavicle · Clavicula
Humerus · Humerus
Scapula · Scapula

Joints

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint · plane (gliding) synovial joint
Glenohumeral joint · ball-and-socket (synovial)
Scapulothoracic articulation · functional (not a true synovial joint)
Sternoclavicular (SC) joint · saddle-type synovial joint

Muscles

DeltoidSource-checked
InfraspinatusSource-checked
SubscapularisSource-checked
SupraspinatusSource-checked
Teres minorSource-checked

Chest

5 muscles

The chest (thorax) is the front of the upper torso. It is built on the rib cage and sternum, and its muscles do two big jobs: they power pushing movements of the arms (mainly the pectoralis major) and they drive breathing (the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs).

Simplified front view of the chest showing the sternum in the middle, ribs curving to each side, and the fan-shaped pectoralis major over the upper chest. — Chest region — rib cage, sternum, and pectoralis major (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the chest's bony frame (sternum and ribs) and the location of the pectoralis major.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Thorax/THOR-aks/
Sternum/STUR-num/
Costal cartilage/KOS-tul KAR-tih-lij/
Pectoralis major/pek-tor-AL-iss MAY-jor/
Pectoralis minor/pek-tor-AL-iss MY-nor/
Serratus anterior/ser-AY-tus an-TEER-ee-or/
Diaphragm/DY-uh-fram/
Intercostals/in-ter-KOS-tul/

Bones

Costal cartilage
Ribs · Costae
Sternum · Sternum

Joints

Costovertebral joints · plane synovial
Sternocostal joints · cartilaginous / plane synovial

Muscles

DiaphragmSource-checked
Intercostal musclesSource-checked
Pectoralis majorSource-checked
Pectoralis minorSource-checked
Serratus anteriorSource-checked

Upper Back

5 muscles

The upper back is the muscular region between the shoulder blades and the spine. Its muscles move and stabilize the shoulder blades (scapulae) and pull the arms down and back. A strong, well-controlled upper back supports good posture and healthy shoulders.

Simplified back view showing the diamond-shaped trapezius over the upper back and neck, the rhomboids between the shoulder blades, and the broad latissimus dorsi fanning up from the lower back. — Upper back — trapezius, rhomboids, and latissimus dorsi (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the major upper-back muscles: trapezius, rhomboids, and latissimus dorsi.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Thoracic vertebrae/thor-ASS-ik VER-teh-bray/
Scapula/SKAP-yoo-luh/
Scapulothoracic/SKAP-you-lo-thor-ASS-ik/
Trapezius/truh-PEE-zee-us/
Latissimus dorsi/lah-TISS-ih-mus DOR-sy/
Rhomboids/ROM-boyds/
Levator scapulae/leh-VAY-tor SKAP-you-lay/
Teres major/TEH-reez MAY-jor/

Bones

Scapula (shoulder blade) · Scapula
Thoracic vertebrae · Vertebrae thoracicae

Joints

Scapulothoracic articulation · functional (not a true synovial joint)

Muscles

Latissimus dorsiSource-checked
Levator scapulaeSource-checked
Rhomboids (major & minor)Source-checked
Teres majorSource-checked
TrapeziusSource-checked

Lower Back

3 muscles

The lower back (lumbar region) is the base of the spine below the ribs. Its deep muscles run along the spine to hold you upright, control bending and straightening at the trunk, and transmit force between the upper body and the hips/legs. Because it bears load in almost every standing and lifting movement, it is one of the most important regions to train and coach carefully.

Simplified back view showing the lumbar vertebrae stacked above the sacrum in the midline, the long erector spinae columns running alongside the spine, and the deeper quadratus lumborum between the lowest rib and the pelvis. — Lower back region — lumbar spine, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the lower back's bony spine and its two main muscle groups: the erector spinae and quadratus lumborum.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Lumbar vertebrae/LUM-bar VER-teh-bray/
Sacrum/SAY-krum/
Erector spinae/ee-REK-tor SPY-nee/
Quadratus lumborum/kwah-DRAY-tus lum-BOR-um/
Multifidus/mul-TIFF-ih-dus/
Thoracolumbar fascia/thor-ah-ko-LUM-bar FASH-uh/
Neutral spine/NOO-truhl spyn/

Bones

Lumbar vertebrae · Vertebrae lumbales
Sacrum · Os sacrum

Joints

Lumbar intervertebral joints · cartilaginous (intervertebral discs) combined with synovial facet (zygapophyseal) joints
Lumbosacral joint · cartilaginous + synovial (facet)

Muscles

Erector spinaeSource-checked
MultifidusSource-checked
Quadratus lumborumSource-checked

Core & Abdominal

4 muscles

The core is the muscular box around the trunk: the abdominal muscles in front and at the sides, working with the diaphragm above and the deep back muscles behind. Its main jobs are to flex and rotate the trunk, and — just as importantly — to resist unwanted motion of the spine so force can transfer efficiently between the upper and lower body.

Simplified front view of the abdomen showing the segmented rectus abdominis running down the midline, the diagonal external oblique on each side, and the transversus abdominis wrapping around the waist beneath. — Core region — rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the core's abdominal muscles: rectus abdominis, external oblique, and transversus abdominis.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Rectus abdominis/REK-tus ab-DOM-ih-nis/
External oblique/eks-TER-nal oh-BLEEK/
Internal oblique/in-TER-nal oh-BLEEK/
Transversus abdominis/trans-VER-sus ab-DOM-ih-nis/
Linea alba/LIN-ee-uh AL-buh/
Anti-rotation/AN-tee roh-TAY-shun/

Bones

Iliac crest · Crista iliaca
Xiphoid process · Processus xiphoideus

Joints

Linea alba (midline abdominal seam) · fibrous (not a true joint — a connective-tissue seam)

Muscles

External obliqueSource-checked
Internal obliqueSource-checked
Rectus abdominisSource-checked
Transversus abdominisSource-checked

Pelvis & Hips

3 muscles

The pelvis is the bony ring that connects the spine to the legs, and the hip is the deep ball-and-socket joint where the leg attaches to it. This region is the body's central power-transfer point: it links upper-body and lower-body force, and its deep muscles control how the thigh and trunk move relative to each other.

Simplified front view of the pelvis showing the wing-shaped hip bones meeting at the pubic symphysis, the ball-and-socket hip joint where each femur meets the acetabulum, and the iliopsoas running from the lower spine across the front of the hip to the femur. — Pelvis & hips — hip bone, hip joint, and iliopsoas (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the pelvis's bony ring, the hip joint, and the iliopsoas hip-flexor muscle.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Pelvis/PEL-vis/
Ilium/ILL-ee-um/
Acetabulum/as-eh-TAB-yoo-lum/
Iliopsoas/il-ee-oh-SOH-as/
Psoas major/SOH-as MAY-jor/
Tensor fasciae latae/TEN-sor FASH-ee-ee LAY-tee/
Piriformis/peer-ih-FOR-mis/
Sacroiliac joint/say-kroh-ILL-ee-ak joint/

Bones

Hip bone (os coxae) · Os coxae

Joints

Hip joint (coxal joint) · synovial, ball-and-socket
Sacroiliac (SI) joint · synovial (with strong ligamentous reinforcement) — very limited motion

Muscles

IliopsoasSource-checked
PiriformisSource-checked
Tensor fasciae lataeSource-checked

Glutes

3 muscles

The gluteal muscles form the buttocks and are among the most powerful muscles in the body. The gluteus maximus drives forceful hip extension (as in sprinting, jumping, and standing up from a squat), while the gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the pelvis from the side, especially during single-leg stance.

Simplified back view of the pelvis and upper thighs showing the large rounded gluteus maximus covering each buttock, with the fan-shaped gluteus medius peeking out above and to the side of it near the hip. — Glutes — gluteus maximus and gluteus medius (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the buttock's two most prominent muscles: gluteus maximus and gluteus medius.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Gluteus maximus/GLOO-tee-us MAK-sih-mus/
Gluteus medius/GLOO-tee-us MEE-dee-us/
Gluteus minimus/GLOO-tee-us MIN-ih-mus/
Gluteal tuberosity/GLOO-tee-ul too-ber-OSS-ih-tee/
Trendelenburg/tren-DEL-en-berg/

Bones

Femur (thigh bone) · Femur

Joints

Muscles

Gluteus maximusSource-checked
Gluteus mediusSource-checked
Gluteus minimusSource-checked

Thighs

4 muscles

The thigh is built around the femur and contains three major muscle groups: the quadriceps in front (knee extensors), the hamstrings behind (hip extensors and knee flexors), and the adductors on the inside (which pull the thigh toward the midline). Together they power almost every standing, walking, and lifting movement.

Simplified front view of the right thigh showing the four-part quadriceps femoris covering the front of the femur down to the knee, and the adductor muscle group along the inner thigh. — Thighs — quadriceps femoris and adductors (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the thigh's front (quadriceps) and inner (adductor) muscle groups.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Quadriceps femoris/KWAD-rih-seps FEM-or-iss/
Rectus femoris/REK-tus FEM-or-iss/
Vastus lateralis/VAS-tus lat-er-AL-iss/
Hamstrings/HAM-strings/
Biceps femoris/BY-seps FEM-or-iss/
Adductor magnus/ad-DUK-tor MAG-nus/
Sartorius/sar-TOR-ee-us/

Bones

Tibia (shin bone) · Tibia

Joints

Knee joint (tibiofemoral joint) · synovial, hinge (with some rotation)

Muscles

Adductors (hip adductor group)Source-checked
HamstringsSource-checked
Quadriceps femorisSource-checked
SartoriusSource-checked

Knees

1 muscles

The knee is the largest and one of the most load-bearing joints in the body. It relies on a thick set of ligaments and two C-shaped cartilage pads (menisci) for stability, since its bony surfaces alone are relatively flat and offer little inherent stability — unlike the deep socket of the hip. Because of this reliance on soft tissue for stability, the knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in sport and exercise.

Simplified front view of a slightly bent knee showing the femur above, the patella (kneecap) sitting in its groove at the front, and the tibia below, with the patellar tendon connecting the patella to the tibia. — Knee — patella, femur, and tibia (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the knee's bony structure: femur, patella, and tibia.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Patella/puh-TEL-uh/
Patellofemoral/puh-tel-oh-FEM-or-al/
Meniscus/meh-NIS-kus/
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)/an-TEER-ee-or KROO-shee-ate LIG-uh-ment/
Popliteus/pop-LIT-ee-us/

Bones

Patella (kneecap) · Patella

Joints

Patellofemoral joint · synovial, gliding

Muscles

PopliteusSource-checked

Lower Legs

4 muscles

The lower leg runs from the knee to the ankle and is built around two bones (the tibia and fibula) and three functional muscle groups: the calf muscles behind (which point the foot down), the shin muscle in front (which lifts the foot up), and the outer muscles along the fibula (which roll the foot outward). Together they control the ankle and absorb impact during walking, running, and jumping.

Simplified side view of the lower leg showing the rounded gastrocnemius and deeper soleus forming the calf at the back, and the tibialis anterior running along the front of the shin down to the foot. — Lower leg — gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the lower leg's calf (gastrocnemius, soleus) and shin (tibialis anterior) muscles.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Gastrocnemius/gas-trok-NEE-mee-us/
Soleus/SOH-lee-us/
Tibialis anterior/tib-ee-AL-iss an-TEER-ee-or/
Fibularis longus/fib-yoo-LAIR-iss LONG-gus/
Achilles tendon/uh-KIL-eez TEN-dun/
Plantarflexion/PLAN-tar-FLEK-shun/
Dorsiflexion/DOR-sih-FLEK-shun/

Bones

Fibula · Fibula

Joints

Ankle joint (talocrural joint) · synovial, hinge

Muscles

Fibularis longus (peroneus longus)Source-checked
GastrocnemiusSource-checked
SoleusSource-checked
Tibialis anteriorSource-checked

Ankles & Feet

1 muscles

The ankle and foot form the body's base of support — a complex of small bones, arches, and joints that must be both stable enough to bear full body weight and mobile enough to adapt to uneven ground. The subtalar joint, just below the ankle joint, is what allows the foot to tilt side to side, and it is central to how the foot absorbs and redirects impact forces.

Simplified side view of the ankle and foot showing the talus sitting beneath the tibia and fibula, the calcaneus (heel bone) below it forming the subtalar joint, and the arch of the foot extending forward to the toes. — Ankle & foot — talus, calcaneus, and subtalar joint (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the ankle and foot's key bones: talus and calcaneus, forming the subtalar joint.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Talus/TAY-lus/
Calcaneus/kal-KAY-nee-us/
Subtalar joint/sub-TAY-lar joint/
Anterior talofibular ligament/an-TEER-ee-or tay-lo-FIB-yoo-lar LIG-uh-ment/
Proprioception/PRO-pree-oh-SEP-shun/

Bones

Calcaneus (heel bone) · Calcaneus
Talus · Talus

Joints

Subtalar joint · synovial, gliding

Muscles

Intrinsic foot musclesSource-checked

Arms

4 muscles

The arm (upper arm, between shoulder and elbow) is built around the humerus and contains the classic opposing pair of the biceps brachii in front and the triceps brachii behind, along with two smaller assisting muscles. Together they flex and extend the elbow and contribute to shoulder movement.

Simplified side view of the upper arm showing the two-headed biceps brachii on the front of the humerus and the three-headed triceps brachii covering the back of the humerus, down to the elbow. — Arms — biceps brachii and triceps brachii (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the upper arm's opposing muscle pair: biceps brachii and triceps brachii.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Biceps brachii/BY-seps BRAY-kee-eye/
Triceps brachii/TRY-seps BRAY-kee-eye/
Brachialis/bray-kee-AL-iss/
Coracobrachialis/kor-uh-koh-bray-kee-AL-iss/
Olecranon/oh-LEK-ruh-non/

Bones

Radius · Radius
Ulna · Ulna

Joints

Elbow joint (humeroulnar joint) · synovial, hinge

Muscles

Biceps brachiiSource-checked
BrachialisSource-checked
CoracobrachialisSource-checked
Triceps brachiiSource-checked

Elbows

1 muscles

The elbow is actually three joints sharing one capsule: a hinge between the humerus and ulna (flexion/extension), a related gliding surface between the humerus and radius, and a rotating joint between the radius and ulna (forearm pronation/supination). This combination lets the elbow both bend/straighten and let the forearm twist, all in one compact region stabilized by strong collateral ligaments.

Simplified front view of a bent elbow showing the humerus above, and the radius and ulna forming the forearm below, meeting at the elbow joint with the lateral and medial epicondyles marked on the humerus. — Elbow — humerus, radius, and ulna (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the elbow's bony structure, including the medial and lateral epicondyles.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Humeroulnar joint/hyoo-mer-oh-UL-nar joint/
Radioulnar joint/ray-dee-oh-UL-nar joint/
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)/UL-nar koh-LAT-er-al LIG-uh-ment/
Epicondyle/ep-ih-KON-dyle/
Anconeus/an-KOH-nee-us/
Lateral epicondylitis/LAT-er-al ep-ih-kon-dih-LY-tis/

Bones

Joints

Proximal radioulnar joint · synovial, pivot

Muscles

AnconeusSource-checked

Forearms & Hands

4 muscles

The forearm contains the muscles that move the wrist and fingers — the muscles that give the hand its grip strength and fine motor control. Because long tendons carry their force across the wrist and into the hand, the forearm can pack in a large number of muscles without making the hand itself bulky.

Simplified front (palm-side) view of the forearm showing the wrist flexor group running from the elbow down to the wrist, and the deeper finger flexor tendons continuing across the palm into each finger. — Forearm & hand — wrist flexors and finger flexors (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the forearm's wrist-flexor muscle group and finger-flexor tendons.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Brachioradialis/BRAY-kee-oh-ray-dee-AL-iss/
Flexor carpi radialis/FLEK-sor KAR-py ray-dee-AL-iss/
Extensor carpi ulnaris/eks-TEN-sor KAR-py ul-NAIR-iss/
Carpal bones/KAR-pul bohns/
Grip strength/grip strength/

Bones

Carpal bones · Ossa carpi

Joints

Wrist joint (radiocarpal joint) · synovial, condyloid

Muscles

BrachioradialisSource-checked
Finger flexors (flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus)Source-checked
Wrist extensors (extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris)Source-checked
Wrist flexors (flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus)Source-checked

Head & Neck

4 muscles

The neck is a delicate structure that supports the weight of the head while allowing it to move in all directions. Its muscles are active in every head movement — turning, nodding, tilting — and must maintain constant, subtle adjustments to hold the head upright against gravity. Because the neck is thin, it has less room than other body regions to pack in muscle, and its muscles fatigue easily under poor posture.

Simplified front and lateral view of the neck showing the sternocleidomastoid on the sides, the scalenes deeper within, and the upper trapezius connecting the neck to the shoulders. The cervical vertebrae are shown as a central axis. — Head & neck — sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, splenius, and upper trapezius (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the neck's primary muscles: sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, splenius capitis, and upper trapezius.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Sternocleidomastoid/STER-no-KLY-doh-MAS-toyd/
Scalene/skay-LEEN/
Splenius capitis/SPLEN-ee-us kuh-PIT-iss/
Cervical/SER-vik-ul/
Trapezius/truh-PEE-zee-us/

Bones

Cervical vertebrae · Vertebrae cervicales

Joints

Atlantoaxial joint (C1–C2) · synovial, pivot
Cervical intervertebral joints · synovial, gliding (between vertebral bodies); facet joints

Muscles

Scalene muscles (anterior, middle, posterior)Source-checked
Splenius capitisSource-checked
SternocleidomastoidSource-checked
Upper trapeziusSource-checked

Spine (The Vertebral Column)

0 muscles

The spine is the central structural pillar of the body, supporting the head, protecting the spinal cord, and transmitting forces from the upper body to the lower body. It is not a single, rigid rod but a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked with shock-absorbing discs between them, all stabilized by muscles and ligaments. Understanding the spine's structure and curvature is essential to training safely.

Sagittal (side) view of the entire vertebral column showing 33 vertebrae stacked from the cervical spine (top) through the thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions (bottom). Intervertebral discs between each vertebra are shown, and the natural curves (cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis) are annotated. The spinal cord runs down the center. — The vertebral column — cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions with natural curves (simplified). A beginner-level schematic of the spine's complete structure, all five regions, the intervertebral discs, and the natural curves essential for shock absorption and balance.
Illustration: Anatomy Learning Platform (original) · CC0-1.0 (public domain dedication)

How to say it

Vertebra/VER-tuh-bra/
Intervertebral disc/IN-ter-VER-tuh-bral disk/
Cervical/SER-vik-ul/
Thoracic/thuh-RAS-ik/
Lumbar/LUM-bar/
Sacral/SAY-krul/
Kyphosis/ky-FOH-sis/
Lordosis/lor-DOH-sis/
Neutral spine/NOO-trul spine/

Bones

Intervertebral disc · Discus intervertebralis
Spinal cord · Medulla spinalis
Vertebra (generic structure) · Vertebra

Joints

Facet joints (zygapophyseal joints) · synovial, plane (gliding)
Intervertebral disc (as a joint) · cartilaginous, amphiarthrodial (slightly movable)

Muscles

🗺️ A fully interactive body map (click a structure on a figure to open its page) is planned for Phase 2. See the roadmap.

Loading…

Anatomy

Shoulder

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Chest

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Upper Back

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Lower Back

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Core & Abdominal

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Pelvis & Hips

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Glutes

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Thighs

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Knees

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Lower Legs

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Ankles & Feet

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Arms

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Elbows

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Forearms & Hands

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Head & Neck

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Spine (The Vertebral Column)

🗣️ How to say it

Bones

Joints

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it

How to say it