Vrksasana

Temporalis
The main role of the Temporalis is to elevate the mandible, in this pose it is responsible
for closing the mouth. The insertion points are the coronoid process and the ramus of the
mandible. The orgin is at the temporal bone, or Fossa. In this pose it elevates the
mandible holding the mouth closed.
Rectus Abdominis
The function of the Rectus abdominis is the fexion of the trunk, and it compresses the
anterior of the abdominal wall. It’s origin is the pubis at the crest and symphysis. The
insertion is at the xiphoid process of the sternum and the costal cartilages 5-7. The
muscle as a whole consists of 3 or 4 bellies that are separated by tendinous intersections
and is incased in a rectus sheath. In this pose, as the Rectus abdominis is shortened, it
stabilizes the body and aids in respiration
Iliopsoas
The Iliopsoas is responsible for the flexion and lateral rotation of the thigh. The origin is
the ilium at the iliac fossa, and the lumbar vertebrae 1-5 at the transverse processes, the
bodies, and associated intervertieral discs. The insertion point is at the lesser trochanter
of the femur. The muscle as a whole is composed of two separate muscles, the iliacus
and the psoas muscles which cover the acetabulofemoral joint between the femur and
coxa. It is the most powerful flexor of the thigh that is responsible for rotating the thigh
away from the midline of the body in this pose.
Deltoid
The deltoid divided into three parts, the anterior, lateral, and posterior, all having
different functions. The anterior part is responsible for flexion and medial rotation of the
arm and attaches to the lateral 1/3rd of the clavicle. The lateral part is responsible for the
abduction of the arm and has an origin at the acromion of the scapula. Finally the
posterior part is responsible for the extension and lateral rotation of the arm and
originates at the spine of the scapula. It has an insertion point at the deltoid tuberosity of
the humerus. The deltoid covers the shoulder and is responsible for the glenohumeral
joint counteracting the Latissimus dorsi and the Pectoralis major. This muscle is
responsible for the slightly upward abduction of the arms in this pose.
Biceps brachii
This muscle has an origin at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula at the long head, and
the coracoid process of the short end of the scapula. It’s insertion point is that the
tuberosity of the radius tendon, as well as the deep fascia of the aponeurosis. This muscle
is responsible for the supination of the forearm, flexion of the forearm, and flexion of the
arm. The biceps brachii articulate at the proximal radioulnar joint, which allows for
flexion of the elbow, the humeroulnar joint, which flexes the forearm, and the
glenohumeral joint, which extends the arm. In this pose it aids in extending the arms
upward, although there is not a lot of stress put on this muscle.
Extensor digitorum
The fuction of this muscle is to extend phalanges 2-5, and assit with the extension of the
wrist. It has an origin at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, and intersects at the
middle and distal phalanges 2-5, and at the extensor expansion. The extensor expansions
provide attachment for lumbrical and interosseus muscles. In this pose, it uses the distal
and proximal IP joints so the phalanges are held together upright.
Flexor digitorium superfiscalis
This muscle is responsible for the flexion of fingers 2-5, and assists in the flexion of the
hand and metacarpophalangeal joints. It’s origin is at the medial epicondyle of the
humerus, the coronoid process of the ulna, and the proximal anterior shaft of the radius.
It has a point of insertion at the middle phalanges 2-5. This muscle is connected to the
metacarpophalangeal joints to create a 90 degree angle between the hand and forearm.
Gluteus maximus
The gluteus maximus is a muscle that acts on the femur. It is a large muscle that
originates on the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx. It has an insertion point at the iliotibial tract
 and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. It works with the sacroiliac joint to extend the
thigh, to laterally rotate the thigh, and abduction of the thigh. In the yoga pose it is
working to provide balance and raise the right thigh parallel to the ground.
Rectus femoris
The rectus femoris has an insertion point at the patella and has an origin at the anterior
interior iliac spine, as well as a groove superior to the acetabalum. It is the only muscle
of the quadriceps group that acts on the hip joint. This is present in this pose as it is
responsible for the flexion of the thigh upwards.
Biceps femoris
The biceps femoris has an origin at the tuberosity of the ischium and an insertion point at
the head of the fibula. The main function of this muscle is flexion of the leg, and
extension of the thigh. In this pose, the role of this muscle is to flex the leg to bend at the
knee.
Gastrocnemius
There are two parts of the gastrocnemius, the medial belly, and the lateral belly. The
medial belly has an origin at the medial condyle of the femur, and the lateral belly
originates at the lateral condyle of the femur. It’s insertion point is at the calcaneus and
contributes to the calcaneal tendon. It’s a superficial muscle that crosses the subtalar
joint and functions as a flexor of the leg, and a plantar flexion of the foot. The purpose of
this muscle in this pose is to elevate the heel.
Tibialis anterior
This muscle originates at the anterior lateral shaft of the tibia, and the interosseus
membrane. It has insertion points at the medial cuneiform, and metatarsal I. It works
with the subtalar joint and the metatarsal joints to function as a dorsiflexion of the foot, as
well as an inversion of the foot. In this pose, it keeps the foot at a 90 degree angle to the
tibia.
Supraspinatus
This muscle originates at the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and the insertion point is
at the greater tubercle of the humerus. It was no external appearance and it stabilizes and
weakly abducts the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this muscle in the body is to
abduct the arm, and it holds the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity. In this pose, it
functions to slightly abduct the arm.
Infraspinatus
This muscle functions to rotate the arm laterally and hold the head of the humerus in the
glenoid cavity. It stabilizes the glenohumeral joint and work together to externally rotate
the arm. It has an origin at the infraspinous fossa of the scapula and an insertion point at
the greater tubercle of the humerus. It also aids in extending the arm outwards.
Teres minor
The teres minor stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, allowing the arm to adduct, laterally
rotate, as well as hold humerus in the glenoid cavity. It is originated from the lateral
border of the scapula, and has an insertion point at the greater tubercle of the humerus. In
this pose, it aids in the slight rotation of the arms.
Navasana
Temporalis
The main role of the Temporalis is to elevate the mandible, in this pose it is responsible
for closing the mouth. The insertion points are the coronoid process and the ramus of the
mandible. The orgin is at the temporal bone, or Fossa. In this pose it elevates the
mandible holding the mouth closed.
Sternocleidomastoid
The function of the Sternocleidomastoid is to rotate the head to opposite sides. It also
aids in the flexion of the head, which helps to flex the cervical part of the vertebral
column. In this pose, it enables the body to raise to a 45 degree angle. The origin is at
the medial clavical and the manubrium stemum with insertion points at the mastoid
process of the temporal bone.
Rectus Abdominis
 The function of the Rectus abdominis is the fexion of the trunk, and it compresses the
anterior of the abdominal wall. It’s origin is the pubis at the crest and symphysis. The
insertion is at the xiphoid process of the sternum and the costal cartilages 5-7. The
muscle as a whole consists of 3 or 4 bellies that are separated by tendinous intersections
and is incased in a rectus sheath. In this pose, the muscles and the pubic symphysis work
together to hold the upper body upwards.
Iliopsoas
The Iliopsoas is responsible for the flexion and lateral rotation of the thigh. The origin is
the ilium at the iliac fossa, and the lumbar vertebrae 1-5 at the transverse processes, the
bodies, and associated intervertieral discs. The insertion point is at the lesser trochanter
of the femur. The muscle as a whole is composed of two separate muscles, the iliacus
and the psoas muscles which cover the acetabulofemoral joint between the femur and
coxa. It is the most powerful flexor of the thigh. In this pose it works to hold the legs
upwards.
Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a fan shaped muscle that originates on the sacral and lumbar
spines by the thoracolumbar fascia, the ilium on the iliac crest via the thoracolumbar
fascia, the lower 4 ribs, the spinous processes of the T6-12 vertebrae, and the inderior
angle of the scapula. It has an insertion point on the floor of the intertubercular sulcus on
the scapula. This muscle is responsible for the adduction, and extension of the arm. It
covers the glenohumeral joint, which causes the arm to be able to rotate medially. In this
pose, the muscle is used to rotate the arm horizontally.
Deltoid
The deltoid divided into three parts, the anterior, lateral, and posterior, all having
different functions. The anterior part is responsible for flexion and medial rotation of the
arm and attaches to the lateral 1/3rd of the clavicle. The lateral part is responsible for the
abduction of the arm and has an origin at the acromion of the scapula. Finally the
posterior part is responsible for the extension and lateral rotation of the arm and
originates at the spine of the scapula. It has an insertion point at the deltoid tuberosity of
the humerus. The deltoid covers the shoulder and is responsible for the glenohumeral
joint counteracting the Latissimus dorsi and the Pectoralis major. In this pose, this
muscle abducts to hold the arm out.
Triceps brachii
The triceps brachii has an insertion point at the olecranon of the ulna. It has an origin at
the infraglenoid tubercle at the long head of the scapula, and the shaft of the humerus at
the medial and lateral heads. This muscle is responsible for the extension of the arms. It
is antagonist to the biceps brachii and attaches to the elbow joint. In this pose, the main
function is to extend the arms outwards.
Extensor digitorum
The fuction of this muscle is to extend phalanges 2-5, and assit with the extension of the
wrist. It has an origin at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, and intersects at the
middle and distal phalanges 2-5, and at the extensor expansion. The extensor expansions
provide attachment for lumbrical and interosseus muscles. It uses the distal and proximal
IP joints so the phalanges are held straight outwards.
Flexor digitorium superfiscalis
This muscle is responsible for the flexion of fingers 2-5, and assists in the flexion of the
hand and metacarpophalangeal joints. It’s origin is at the medial epicondyle of the
humerus, the coronoid process of the ulna, and the proximal anterior shaft of the radius.
It has a point of insertion at the middle phalanges 2-5. This muscle is connected to the
metacarpophalangeal joints and in this pose, it extends the wrist outwards.
Gluteus maximus
The gluteus maximus is a muscle that acts on the femur. It is a large muscle that
originates on the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx. It has an insertion point at the iliotibial tract
and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. It works with the sacroiliac joint to extend the
thigh, to laterally rotate the thigh, and abduction of the thigh. In the yoga pose it is
 working to provide balance and raise the legs upwards.
Rectus femoris
The rectus femoris has an insertion point at the patella and has an origin at the anterior
interior iliac spine, as well as a groove superior to the acetabalum. It is the only muscle
of the quadriceps group that acts on the hip joint. This is present in this pose as it is
responsible to hold the thigh up and out.
Biceps femoris
The biceps femoris has an origin at the tuberosity of the ischium and an insertion point at
the head of the fibula. The main function of this muscle is flexion of the leg, and
extension of the thigh. In this pose, the role of this muscle is to flex the leg to bend at the
knee.
Gastrocnemius
There are two parts of the gastrocnemius, the medial belly, and the lateral belly. The
medial belly has an origin at the medial condyle of the femur, and the lateral belly
originates at the lateral condyle of the femur. It’s insertion point is at the calcaneus and
contributes to the calcaneal tendon. It’s a superficial muscle that crosses the subtalar
joint and functions as a flexor of the leg, and a plantar flexion of the foot. The purpose of
this muscle in this pose is to elevate the legs and hold feet upright.
Tibialis anterior
This muscle originates at the anterior lateral shaft of the tibia, and the interosseus
membrane. It has insertion points at the medial cuneiform, and metatarsal I. It works
with the subtalar joint and the metatarsal joints to function as a dorsiflexion of the foot, as
well as an inversion of the foot. In this pose, it keeps the foot at a 90 degree angle to the
tibia.
Supraspinatus
This muscle originates at the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and the insertion point is
at the greater tubercle of the humerus. It was no external appearance and it stabilizes and
weakly abducts the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this muscle in the body is to
abduct the arm, and it holds the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity. In this pose, it
functions to raise arms upwards.
Infraspinatus
This muscle functions to rotate the arm laterally and hold the head of the humerus in the
glenoid cavity. It stabilizes the glenohumeral joint and work together to externally rotate
the arm. It has an origin at the infraspinous fossa of the scapula and an insertion point at
the greater tubercle of the humerus. It also aids in extending the arm outwards.
Teres minor
The teres minor stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, allowing the arm to adduct, laterally
rotate, as well as hold humerus in the glenoid cavity. It is originated from the lateral
border of the scapula, and has an insertion point at the greater tubercle of the humerus. In
this pose, it aids in the rotation of the arms.
Virabhadrasana I
Temporalis
The main role of the Temporalis is to elevate the mandible, in this pose it is responsible
for closing the mouth. The insertion points are the coronoid process and the ramus of the
mandible. The orgin is at the temporal bone, or Fossa. In this pose it elevates the
mandible holding the mouth closed.
Sternocleidomastoid
The function of the Sternocleidomastoid is to rotate the head to opposite sides. It also
aids in the flexion of the head, which helps to flex the cervical part of the vertebral
column. In this pose, it enables the body to raise to a 45 degree angle. The origin is at
the medial clavical and the manubrium stemum with insertion points at the mastoid
process of the temporal bone. In this pose this muscle is responsible for lifting the chin
and holding the head back.
Rectus Abdominis
The function of the Rectus abdominis is the flexion of the trunk, and it compresses the
 anterior of the abdominal wall. It’s origin is the pubis at the crest and symphysis. The
insertion is at the xiphoid process of the sternum and the costal cartilages 5-7. The
muscle as a whole consists of 3 or 4 bellies that are separated by tendinous intersections
and is incased in a rectus sheath. In this pose, the muscles and the pubic symphysis work
together to hold the body upright.
Iliopsoas
The Iliopsoas is responsible for the flexion and lateral rotation of the thigh. The origin is
the ilium at the iliac fossa, and the lumbar vertebrae 1-5 at the transverse processes, the
bodies, and associated intervertieral discs. The insertion point is at the lesser trochanter
of the femur. The muscle as a whole is composed of two separate muscles, the iliacus
and the psoas muscles which cover the acetabulofemoral joint between the femur and
coxa. It is the most powerful flexor of the thigh. In this pose it works to extend the thigh
outwards.
Pectoralis major
The main function of the pectoralis major is adduction, medial rotation, and flexion of the
arm. Or originates at the medial part of the clavicle, the costal carilages 1-6, the sternum
and the aponeurosis of the external abdominal oblique muscle. It has an insertion point at
the lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus. The main role this muscle
plays in this pose is to rotate and flex the arm outwards.
Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a fan shaped muscle that originates on the sacral and lumbar
spines by the thoracolumbar fascia, the ilium on the iliac crest via the thoracolumbar
fascia, the lower 4 ribs, the spinous processes of the T6-12 vertebrae, and the inderior
angle of the scapula. It has an insertion point on the floor of the intertubercular sulcus on
the scapula. This muscle is responsible for the adduction, and extension of the arm. It
covers the glenohumeral joint, which causes the arm to be able to rotate medially. In this
pose, the muscle is used to rotate the arm and hold it upwards.
Deltoid
The deltoid divided into three parts, the anterior, lateral, and posterior, all having
different functions. The anterior part is responsible for flexion and medial rotation of the
arm and attaches to the lateral 1/3rd of the clavicle. The lateral part is responsible for the
abduction of the arm and has an origin at the acromion of the scapula. Finally the
posterior part is responsible for the extension and lateral rotation of the arm and
originates at the spine of the scapula. It has an insertion point at the deltoid tuberosity of
the humerus. The deltoid covers the shoulder and is responsible for the glenohumeral
joint counteracting the Latissimus dorsi and the Pectoralis major. In this pose, this
muscle abducts to hold the arm up.
Triceps brachii
The triceps brachii has an insertion point at the olecranon of the ulna. It has an origin at
the infraglenoid tubercle at the long head of the scapula, and the shaft of the humerus at
the medial and lateral heads. This muscle is responsible for the extension of the arms. It
is antagonist to the biceps brachii and attaches to the elbow joint. In this pose, the main
function is to extend the arms outwards.
Flexor digitorium superfiscalis
This muscle is responsible for the flexion of fingers 2-5, and assists in the flexion of the
hand and metacarpophalangeal joints. It’s origin is at the medial epicondyle of the
humerus, the coronoid process of the ulna, and the proximal anterior shaft of the radius.
It has a point of insertion at the middle phalanges 2-5. This muscle is connected to the
metacarpophalangeal joints, and in this pose, it extends the wrist up.
Gluteus maximus
The gluteus maximus is a muscle that acts on the femur. It is a large muscle that
originates on the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx. It has an insertion point at the iliotibial tract
and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. It works with the sacroiliac joint to extend the
thigh, to laterally rotate the thigh, and abduction of the thigh. In the yoga pose it is
working to provide balance and extend the right thigh outwards, and pull the left thigh
 back.
Rectus femoris
The rectus femoris has an insertion point at the patella and has an origin at the anterior
interior iliac spine, as well as a groove superior to the acetabalum. It is the only muscle
of the quadriceps group that acts on the hip joint. This is present in this pose and holds
the thigh outwards, and extends the left thigh back behind the midline of the body.
Biceps femoris
The biceps femoris has an origin at the tuberosity of the ischium and an insertion point at
the head of the fibula. The main function of this muscle is flexion of the leg, and
extension of the thigh. In this pose, the role of this muscle is to flex the leg to bend at the
knee.
Gastrocnemius
There are two parts of the gastrocnemius, the medial belly, and the lateral belly. The
medial belly has an origin at the medial condyle of the femur, and the lateral belly
originates at the lateral condyle of the femur. It’s insertion point is at the calcaneus and
contributes to the calcaneal tendon. It’s a superficial muscle that crosses the subtalar
joint and functions as a flexor of the leg, and a plantar flexion of the foot. The purpose of
this muscle in this pose is to hold the leg at a 90 degree angle.
Tibialis anterior
This muscle originates at the anterior lateral shaft of the tibia, and the interosseus
membrane. It has insertion points at the medial cuneiform, and metatarsal I. It works
with the subtalar joint and the metatarsal joints to function as a dorsiflexion of the foot, as
well as an inversion of the foot. In this pose, it holds the heels to the ground.
Supraspinatus
This muscle originates at the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and the insertion point is
at the greater tubercle of the humerus. It was no external appearance and it stabilizes and
weakly abducts the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this muscle in the body is to
abduct the arm, and it holds the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity. In this pose, it
functions to raise arms upwards.
Infraspinatus
This muscle functions to rotate the arm laterally and hold the head of the humerus in the
glenoid cavity. It stabilizes the glenohumeral joint and work together to externally rotate
the arm. It has an origin at the infraspinous fossa of the scapula and an insertion point at
the greater tubercle of the humerus. It also aids in extending the arm outwards.
Teres minor
The teres minor stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, allowing the arm to adduct, laterally
rotate, as well as hold humerus in the glenoid cavity. It is originated from the lateral
border of the scapula, and has an insertion point at the greater tubercle of the humerus. In
this pose, it aids in the rotation of the arms.