When we think about our muscles, we usually picture the big, obvious ones — biceps, quads, abs. But what about the small, weird ones we barely know exist? These overlooked muscles may seem unimportant, but they play a crucial role in how our bodies function every single day.
Take the palmaris longus, for example. This thin muscle runs along the inside of your forearm and helps with wrist flexion — but not everyone even has it! Around 10–15% of people are born without this muscle, and they function just fine. Still, for those who do have it, it can affect grip strength and is even used as a donor tendon for surgeries.
Or think about the tiny muscles around your nose and mouth that help shape your expressions. They might look insignificant, but they let us frown, smile, smirk, and communicate subtle emotions without saying a word. Some small neck muscles, like the omohyoid, play hidden but vital roles too, helping with swallowing and stabilizing the neck — and they can even be sources of tension we don’t realize.
These unusual muscles also help stabilize joints, fine-tune movements, and keep us balanced and coordinated. They may not get the spotlight like the big muscles do, but their unique actions remind us just how complex and fascinating the human body really is.
So the next time you think about stretching or strengthening, don’t forget about the “weird” muscles working quietly behind the scenes — they might be tiny, but they keep everything else moving smoothly.
Dr. Steve Muscari
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