Naming skeletal muscles

Muscles can be named for:

-Specific body regions or location

-Shape of the muscle

-Orientation of the muscle fibers

-Specific or unusual features

-Origin and insertion point

-Primary function

-References to occupational or habitual action

Naming based on origin and insertion points

Origin 1st, insertion 2nd

Muscles named by specific body regions or locations

-Brachialis (assc with brachium of the arm)

-Tibialis anterior (assc with the anterior tibia)

Muscles named by shape

-Trapezius (trapezoid shape)

-Deltoid (triangular shape)

Muscles named by orientation of the muscle fibers

-Rectus femoris (straight muscle of the leg)

-External oblique (muscle on outside that is oriented with the fibers at an angle)

Muscles named by specific or unusual features

-Biceps brachii (2 origins)

-Teres major (long, big, rounded muscle)

Muscles named by origin and insertion points

-Sternocleidomastoid (attaches to sternum, clavicle, mastoid process)

-Genioglossus (attaches to chin and tongue)

Muscle name related to primary function

-Flexor carpi radialis (muscle near radius that flexes the wrist)

-Adductor longus (long muscle that adducts the leg)

-Extensor digitorum (extends fingers and wrists)

Muscle name related occupational or habitual actions

-Buccinator (means trumpet player, buccinator area moves when playing a trumpet)

-Sartorius (references tailors, tailors cross their legs to form a table when sewing)

Muscle name related to size

-Maximus (largest)

-Minimus (smallest)

-Major (larger)

-Minor (smaller)

-Longus (long)

-Brevis (short)