Muscle Terminology

Anterior

Toward the front

Externus

a superficial muscle (farther from center of area)

Extrinsic

a muscle on the outside (functions outside of body part or muscle)

Inferioris

muscle that is lower

Lateralis

muscle to the side

Medialis/medius/medial

muscle in the middle

Oblique

diagonal

Posterior

toward the back

Rectus

muscles that are straight & parallel

Transversus

muscles that run across (horizontal)

Abdominis

Abdomin

Auricularis

Muscles of Ear

Brachialis/Brachii

muscles of arm

Bucco-/buccinator

muscles of cheek

Capitis

Muscles of head

Cleido- / -Clavius

muscles assist w/ clavicle

Costalis

ribs

Femoris

femur

Gluteus

butt

Ilio-

ilium (hip)

Infra

muscle below

Masseter

muscles of jaw

Mentalis

Chin

Nuchal

muscles of back of neck

Oculo

muscles of eye

Oris

muscles of mouth

Pollicis

muscles of thumb

Popliteus

muscles of backknee

Psoas

muscles of loin/inner upper thigh

Radialis

muscles of the radius (arm)

Temporalis

muscles of tempol

Tibialis

muscles of tibia

Biceps

2 heads

Triceps

3 heads

Quadriceps

4 heads

Deltoid

triangle muscle

Orbicularis

circular muscle

Platys

flat

Rhomboideus

Rhomboid

Serratus

jagged

Splenius

flat, long, w/ rounded edges like bandaid

Teres

long and rounded

Trapezius

trapezoid

Brevis

short

Gracilis

long & slender

Latissimus

widest or broad of muscles

Longissimus

longest

Longus

long

Major

large muscle

Maximus

largest muscle

Minimus

smallest muscle

Minor

small muscle

Vastus

great (large/prominent)

Abductor

move apart/away from body

Adductor

brings toward midline

Depressor

muscles that pull down

Extensor

muscles that increase the angle between 2 parts

Flexor

decrease angle between 2 parts

Levator

muscles that life/raise

Pronator

muscles that rotate palms down

Supinator

rotate palms up

Rotator

muscles that tend to pivot an entire appendage