How are muscles named? - Terminology - Human Anatomy | Kenhub

Summary

This tutorial delves into the fascinating world of muscle nomenclature, revealing the logic behind the names of 101 Dalmatians—our muscles. It explores seven key principles: shape, size, fiber orientation, action, number of attachments, and location. From the triangular deltoid to the vastus muscles' size indicators, each muscle's name is a clue to its unique characteristics. The tutorial simplifies the complex, making muscle identification and memorization more accessible, ultimately encouraging further exploration of anatomy through engaging quizzes and resources at Kenhub.com.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Muscles are often named based on their appearance, location, and attachments to make memorization easier.
• 🔤 Knowing Latin and Greek can be beneficial in understanding muscle names, as many are derived from these languages.
• 📏 Muscles can be named after their shape, such as the triangular deltoid or the circular orbicularis oculi.
• 📏 Size is another factor in naming, with terms like 'vastus' for large muscles and 'minimus' for the smallest.
• 🔍 The orientation of muscle fibers plays a role in naming, with 'transverse', 'oblique', and 'rectus' indicating different fiber directions.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Actions performed by muscles are also used in their names, like 'flexor' for bending movements and 'extensor' for straightening.
• 🤲 Muscles can be named after the number of heads or bellies they have, such as biceps (two heads) or triceps (three heads).
• 🔗 The points of attachment for muscles can also determine their names, like 'sternohyoid' which attaches to the sternum and hyoid bone.
• 📍 Location in the body is another naming criterion, with 'anterior', 'lateral', and 'inferior' indicating positions relative to other structures.
• 🔍 The tutorial emphasizes that understanding these naming conventions can aid in memorizing and identifying different muscles.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'deltoid' for the triangular-shaped muscle?

The name 'deltoid' comes from the Greek letter 'delta,' which resembles a triangle, hence it is used to describe the triangular shape of the muscle.

How does the orbicularis oculi muscle get its name?

The orbicularis oculi muscle is named for its circular shape, with 'orbicularis' being the Latin word for circular, accurately describing its form.

What does the name 'platysma' indicate about the muscle's characteristics?

The name 'platysma' is derived from the Greek word 'platus,' which means flat and wide, indicating that this muscle is flat in shape.

Why is the serratus anterior muscle named as such?

The serratus anterior muscle is named for its serrated, or saw-like, anterior attachments, with 'serratus' being the Latin word for serrated.

What does the term 'vastus' in 'vastus muscles' signify?

The term 'vastus' in 'vastus muscles' is Latin for 'great,' indicating that these muscles are large in size.

How do the terms 'major' and 'minor' relate to the size of muscles?

The terms 'major' and 'minor' are used to denote the size of muscles, with 'major' indicating a larger muscle and 'minor' indicating a smaller one, as seen in pectoralis major and minor.

What does the term 'longus' imply about a muscle's length?

The term 'longus' is used for long muscles, derived from the Latin word for 'long,' indicating the muscle's extended length.

How are muscle fibers of the rectus abdominis muscle oriented?

The muscle fibers of the rectus abdominis muscle run parallel to the midline, which is why the term 'rectus,' meaning straight in Latin, is used.

What action does the risorius muscle perform, and how does its name reflect this?

The risorius muscle is involved in creating a smile and is named after its action, with 'risus' in Latin meaning 'laugh' or 'smile.'

How do muscle names reflect their number of origins or bellies?

Muscle names can indicate the number of origins or bellies, such as 'biceps' meaning two heads, 'triceps' meaning three heads, and 'quadriceps' meaning four heads.

What information can muscle names provide about their location in the body?

Muscle names can indicate their location, such as 'tibialis anterior' being over the tibia bone, or 'supraspinatus' being superior to the spine of the scapula.