Understanding Muscle Names

Introduction

• Memorizing muscle names can be as challenging as recalling the 101 Dalmatians.
• Muscle names are often derived from their appearance, location, size, and more.
• Knowing Latin and Greek helps in understanding these names.

Methods of Naming Muscles

1. Shape

   • Deltoid Muscle: Triangular shape, named after Greek letter delta.
   • Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Encircles the eye, 'orbicularis' means circular in Latin.
   • Orbicularis Oris Muscle: Circles the lips.
   • Rhomboid Muscles: Parallelogram shape, named from the Greek word 'rhombus'.
   • Platysma Muscle: Flat and wide, 'platous' means flat in Greek.
   • Serratus Anterior Muscle: Beveled like a saw, named from Latin 'serrare'.

2. Size

   • Vastus Muscles: Large thigh muscles, 'vastus' means great in Latin.
   • Pectoralis Major and Minor: Major is larger; minor is smaller.
   • Gluteus Maximus and Minimus: Maximus is the largest, minimus is the smallest.
   • Flexor Digiti Minimi Muscle: Small muscle for the little finger.

3. Fibre Orientation

   • Transverse: Fibres run perpendicular to the midline, e.g., Transverse muscle of the tongue.
   • Oblique: Fibres run diagonally, e.g., External abdominal oblique muscle.
   • Rectus: Fibres run straight, parallel to the midline, e.g., Rectus abdominis and Superior rectus muscles.

4. Action

   • Flexors: Muscles that flex joints, e.g., Flexor hallucis brevis.
   • Extensors: Muscles that extend joints, e.g., Extensor digiti minimi.
   • Supinators and Pronators: Supinator and Pronator teres for forearm movement.
   • Risorius Muscle: Known as the smiling muscle.
   • Adductors: Move body parts toward the midline, e.g., Adductor pollicis.

5. Number of Attachments (Heads/Bellies)

   • Biceps Brachii: Two heads ('bi' means two).
   • Triceps Brachii: Three heads.
   • Quadriceps Femoris: Four heads.

6. Points of Attachment

   • Sternohyoid Muscle: Extends from sternum to hyoid bone.

7. Location

   • Tibialis Anterior: Located over the tibia.
   • Infrahyoid Muscles: Located beneath the hyoid bone.
   • Supraspinatus Muscle: Superior to the spine of the scapula.

Conclusion

• Understanding the naming conventions helps in recalling muscle names.
• Additional resources: Visit Kenhub for more articles, quizzes, and tutorials on anatomy.