Muscular System Vet Med

Diaphragm

the muscle that separates the thorax and abdomen

Supraspinatus Muscle

an extensor muscle of the shoulder joint

Infraspinatus Muscle

flexes the shoulder joint in conjunction with muscles that attach the humerus to the spine or sternum

Pectoral Muscle

adduct the leg by attaching the humerus to the sternum

Trapezius Muscle

abduct the leg by attaching the scapular spine to the dorsal spine

Biceps Brachii Muscle

attaches the distal scapula to the radius, causing the shoulder to extend and the elbow to flex

Triceps Muscle

when contracting, the shoulder flexes and the elbow extends

Gluteal Muscles

abduct the limb and extend the hip joint

Hamstring

when contracting, the hip joint extends, the knee flexes, and the ankle extends

Quadriceps Femoris Muscle

when contracting, the knee extends, the ankle bends, and the digits extend

Gastrocnemius Muscle

flex the knee, extend the tarsal joint, and flex the digits

Intercostal Muscles

aid in breathing

Myofibers (Muscle Fibers)

densely packed groups of elongated cells

Fascicles

bundles of myofibers

Sarcomere

a segment of myofibrils

Dense Bodies

small globs of protein found only in smooth muscle

Neurotransmitters

stimulate or inhibit contraction, depending on the type of receptor on the cell surface

Tone

to maintain a steady state of contraction

Syncytium

a multinuclear cell-like structure