Understanding Muscle Naming Conventions

Nov 8, 2024

Anatomy Tutorial: Naming Muscles

Introduction

  • Understanding muscle names can aid in memorization.
  • Muscles are often named by:
    • Appearance
    • Location
    • Size
    • Attachments
  • Language knowledge (Latin/Greek) benefits understanding.

Methods of Naming Muscles

1. Shape

  • Deltoid Muscle: Named after the Greek letter delta (triangle shape).
  • Orbicularis Oculi: Latin for circular, encircles the eye.
  • Orbicularis Oris: Circles around lips.
  • Rhomboid Muscles: Named after rhombus shape, parallelogram.
  • Platysma: Comes from Greek "platous" (flat).
  • Serratus Anterior: Named for saw-like attachments (Latin "serrare").

2. Size

  • Vastus Muscles: Latin "vastus" meaning great.
  • Pectoralis Major & Minor: Major is larger.
  • Gluteus Maximus & Minimus: Maximus (largest), Minimus (smallest).
  • Flexor Digiti Minimi: Flexes the little finger.

3. Fibre Orientation

  • Transverse: Fibres run perpendicular to midline (Transverse muscle of the tongue).
  • Oblique: Fibres run diagonally (External abdominal oblique).
  • Rectus: Fibres run parallel (Rectus abdominis).

4. Action

  • Flexors & Extensors: Flexor hallucis brevis (great toe), Extensor digiti minimi (little finger).
  • Supinators & Pronators: Supinator (forearm), Pronator teres (forearm).
  • Risorius: Known as the smiling muscle.
  • Adductor Pollicis: Adducts the thumb.

5. Number of Heads/Origins

  • Biceps Brachii: Two heads ("bi" = two).
  • Triceps Brachii: Three heads ("tri" = three).
  • 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 Muscle Group: Below the hyoid bone.
  • Supraspinatus Muscle: Above the spine of scapula.
  • Vastus Medialis, Intermedius & Lateralis: Position in relation to midline.

Conclusion

  • Muscles are named based on seven main characteristics: shape, size, fibre orientation, action, number of heads/origins, points of attachment, and location.
  • These conventions simplify the process of learning and remembering muscle names.

Further Resources

  • Visit kenhub.com for more anatomical resources and tutorials.

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