Gross Anatomy of the Muscular System

These flashcards encompass key terminology and concepts related to the muscular system, providing definitions and explanations essential for understanding muscle anatomy and function.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary and striated muscle enabling controlled body movements through contraction of fibers.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found only in the heart, responsible for rhythmic heart contractions.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle located in organs and vessels, controlling slow, sustained movements.

Muscle Fascicles

Bundles of muscle fibers within the muscle belly that facilitate precise control and coordination of contractions.

Tendons

Connective tissue that connects muscles to bones, transmitting force generated by muscle contractions to enable movement.

Aponeuroses

Broad, flat tendons that anchor muscles and enhance their range of motion and stability.

Agonist

Muscle primarily responsible for producing a specific movement.

Antagonist

Muscle that opposes the action of a specific agonist.

Synergist

Smaller muscle that assists a larger agonist in performing a movement efficiently.

Fixator

A synergist that stabilizes joints, providing a solid base for effective muscle action.

First-class lever

A lever where the fulcrum lies between the applied force and the load.

Second-class lever

A lever where the load lies between the applied force and fulcrum.

Third-class lever

A lever where the applied force is between the load and the fulcrum.

Muscle Belly

The thick, central part of a skeletal muscle responsible for generating force during contraction.

Fascia

Connective tissue that envelops muscles, providing structural support and maintaining muscle integrity.

Muscle Coordination

The ability of muscles to function in groups to produce smooth and efficient movements.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between bones.

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between bones.

Abduction

Movement that moves a limb away from the body's midline.

Rotation

Action that involves turning a body part around its axis.

Major Muscle Groups

Classifications of muscles in the human body based on their location and function, such as axial and appendicular muscles.