Axial Musculature

These flashcards cover key terms related to the axial musculature, including definitions and functions of various muscles in the human body.

Frontalis

A muscle that raises the eyebrows and causes forehead wrinkles.

Zygomaticus Major

A muscle that elevates the corner of the mouth; it assists in smiling.

Buccinator

A muscle of the cheek that helps in chewing and keeps food between the teeth.

Orbicularis Oris

A muscle that encircles the mouth and controls movement of the lips.

Temporalis

A muscle involved in the process of chewing, located on the side of the head.

Masseter

A primary muscle of mastication that elevates the mandible to close the jaw.

Sternocleidomastoid

A muscle that rotates the head and flexes the neck.

Erector Spinae

A group of muscles that extends the vertebral column and maintains posture.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a key role in respiration.

Pelvic Diaphragm

A structure formed by muscles and fascia that support the pelvic organs.

Levator Ani

A muscle group that forms a major part of the pelvic diaphragm.

External Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist in inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity.

Transversus Abdominis

The deepest abdominal muscle, which helps stabilize the core and compress the abdominal contents.

Inguinal Ligament

A ligament formed by the free inferior border of the external oblique aponeurosis, stretching from the iliac crest to the pubic tubercle.

Aponeurosis

A flattened tendon that connects muscles to the parts they move.

Serratus Anterior

A muscle that helps in the protraction and stabilization of the scapula.

Coccygeus

A muscle that supports the pelvic floor and assists in the movement of the coccyx.

Urogenital Diaphragm

A layer of muscle and connective tissue spanning the urogenital triangle, supporting pelvic organs.

External Anal Sphincter

A muscle that surrounds the anal canal and assists in the control of bowel movements.

Levator Ani

A group of muscles forming part of the pelvic diaphragm that helps support pelvic organs.