Axial and Appendicular Muscles Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to axial and appendicular muscles as well as their actions and characteristics.

Axial Muscles

Those muscles that are primarily responsible for movements of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Muscles

Muscles that control the movements of the limbs and support body posture.

Tendons

Connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Orbicularis Oculi

A muscle that closes the eyelid and allows for winking.

Bilateral Muscle Action

Muscle action that involves both sides of the body working together.

Unilateral Muscle Action

Muscle action that involves one side of the body.

Temporalis

Muscle responsible for the elevation and retraction of the mandible.

Masseter

Muscle that elevates the mandible and is one of the main muscles of chewing.

Sternocleidomastoid

Muscle that facilitates neck flexion and rotation.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is essential for breathing.

External Oblique

Muscle that aids in trunk flexion and lateral rotation.

Rectus Abdominis

Muscle that flexes the trunk and compresses the abdomen.

Frontalis

Muscle that raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.

Buccinator

Muscle that presses the cheeks against the teeth and helps in chewing.

Scalene Muscles

Group of muscles involved in neck flexion and lateral flexion.

Erector Spinae

Muscle group responsible for extending the spine.

Transversospinalis

Muscle group that stabilizes and rotates the vertebral column.