Unit 9: The Muscular System

1&2 Smooth Skeletal Cardiac

list three types of
muscle tissue and
differentiate the three
according to:

overall shape spindle shaped and vary in cylindrical in shape and range branching fibers,
length depending on the
organ in which they are
found.

presence of none present present, crossed and closer

striations together, less prominent

nuclei of muscle
cell

single nucleus located in the

center of the fiber. multinucleated, nuclei are centrally located nuclei
usually located peripherally just
beneath the sarcolemma

functional - functions largely as a - provides rapid and powerful - involuntary coordinated

characteristics regulator of the internal contraction for movement and contraction propels blood
environment, involuntary locomotion, thermoregulation from atria and ventricles to
- found in wall of hollow - voluntary the circulatory system.
viscera
 Unit 9: The Muscular System

1&2 Smooth Skeletal Cardiac

list three types of
muscle tissue and
differentiate the three
according to:

examples within gastrointestinal tract, uterus, biceps, deltoids heart

the body urinary bladder, blood vessels

3. Describe the gross structure of skeletal

muscle under the following headings:

fasicles - “bundle” coverings for the muscle fibre

- epimysium - a layer of connective tissue which

sheaths the entire muscle. It is composed of
dense irregular connective tissue

- perimysium - a sheath of connective tissue

which groups individual muscle fibers into
bundles or fascicles.

- endomysium - literally meaning whithin the

muscle, is a layer of connective tissue that wraps
a muscle fiber and is composed mostly from
reticular fibers. It also contains capillaries, nerves
and lymphatics.
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4. Describe the structure and function of each of the following terms relating to muscles:

origin & insertion site - these describe the attachment points of muscles and usually itʼs easiest to visualize that when
the attachment appears more precise than spread out ( as in the diagram above). One end of the attachment is the origin,
the other end where the muscle attaches is the insertion.

There are two sets of definitions we can use in order to identify origin and insertion.

The first approach describes the origin as the end of the muscle that moves the least when the muscle contracts. This
places the insertion as the end that moves the most.However in some cases muscles move the same amount so this
definition is not always applicable, but in most cases it is so.

The second approach describes the origin as the proximal attachment, the insertion site is where the distal attachment is.
This is a more unambiguous definition for origin and attachment.

tendon/aponeurosis - variations of the same idea, a tendon as weʼve noted is typically a connective tissue structure that
attaches the muscle to the skeletal structure. When the attachment resembles a rope pulling on a bone, a good example
being the achilles, we refer to it as a tendon. Sometimes, though, the attachment can be more like a membrane, a more
widened and flattened structure, that is when we call it an “aponeurosis”. It is a little bit see through.

bursa - a little “sac” filled with synovial fluid to cushion sites where ligaments are in close proximity. A shock absorbing
pads where the ligaments can roll over each other as opposed to rubbing against each other.
synovial membrane - soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints with cavities (synovial joints)

tendon sheath - a protective lining preventing the tendon from rubbing against bone. Tendons move inside this sheath.

5. List the three (3) primary functions of skeletal muscle.

movement, support, producing heat (thermoregulation)

6. Describe how the contraction of a skeletal muscle results in the movement of a bone.
We know that muscle tissue functions by contraction (getting shorter), if it does shorten that means thereʼs movement
between the two ends of the muscle, and if something is attached to one of those ends it moves with the muscle. From
 Unit 9: The Muscular System

that point, if there is a muscle that spanned a joint (movement of a bone requires joints) then the bone will move upon
contraction.

7. Differentiate the following types of skeletal muscle as to:

A muscle can be one or another depending on the movement being performed.

prime mover: is the muscle mainly responsible for producing a particular movement.
synergist: helps the prime mover to produce that movement
antagonist: the muscle that must relax to allow that particular movement.

In the elbow, we perform flexion. To accomplish flexion, the biceps act as the prime mover, next to that, the brachialis acts
as the synergist, the muscle that has to relax as the antagonist would be the triceps. For extension, there is no synergist,
but it is the same process with the same muscles reversed.

8. Differentiate between an isotonic and isometric muscle contraction.

These two terms describe contractions, or what happens when a muscle tries to contract. The outcomes are described by
these words. Iso “the same”.
Isotonic - when muscle contract they produce tension. They “pull”, this force being exerted is tension.
Isometric - metric means distance, thusly isometric means “the same length”, therefore isometric means that the muscle
remains the same length, but still creates tension.

When a person is moving, the movement is a result of isotonic movement, as it is for when a person is picking up an
object. If a person is exerting the same force when trying to pick something too heavy up, the same force (if not more) is
being exerted but there is no movement being exhibited. This is isometric muscle contraction.
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9. Identify the location and function of each of the following skeletal muscles of the body.
Muscle Location
Head & Neck
temporalis It arises from the temporal fossa
and the deep part of temporal
fascia. It passes medial to the
zygomatic arch and inserts onto
the coronoid process of the
mandible.
masseter originates in the lateral part of the
cheek bone (zygomatic arch) and
inserts in the angle of the
mandible.
platysma It is a broad sheet of muscle
arising from the pectoral and
deltoid muscles and rises over
the (clavicle), proceeding upward
in a slanting manner along the
sides of the neck.
Function
Contraction of the temporal muscle elevates the
mandible. The somewhat horizontal fibers of the
posterior part of the muscle retract the mandible.
It acts to raise the jaw and clench the teeth. This
muscle functions to chew food, and is associated with
angry and aggressive states.
The muscle draws the lower lip and corner of the
mouth sideways and down, partially opening the
mouth (facial expressions). When all the fibers of the
platysma muscle work together, it increases the
diameter of the neck as well, as seen during intense
breathing from fast running.
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Muscle Location Function

frontalis runs vertically on the forehead,
originating in tissues of the scalp
above the hairline and inserting
into the skin in the forehead and
near the eyebrows.
Contraction of the entire frontalis draws the eyebrows
and skin of the forehead upwards and forms
horizontal wrinkles running across the forehead.

obicularis oculi sphincter muscle around the eye acts to narrow the eye opening and close the orbit of
the eye.

obicularis oris sphincter muscle around the forms much of the tissue of the lips, these muscles act
mouth to shape and control the size of the mouth opeing and
is important for creating the lip positions and
movements in speech articulation.
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Muscle Location Function

zygomaticus anterior of the cheek extended to draws upper lip upward and laterally (usually referred
her upper lip whose origin is the to as the kissing muscle.
zygomatic bone anterior, the
insertion is the muscle at angle
tof the mouth

sternocleidomastoid a muscle with origin from the
anterior surface of the
episternum and from the sternal
end of the clavicle, with insertion
into the mastoid process.
turns the head obliquely to the opposite side and
flexes the neck and extends the head when both sides
act together.

Thighs & Legs

biceps femoris - has two heads of origin, the - both heads perform knee flexion, the long head
long head is attached to the being a weaker knee flexor when hip is extended (for
ischium, the short head is the same reason the long head is a weaker hip
attached to the femur. extender when the knee is flexed)
- insertion is in the lateral condyle
of the tibia
- head of the femur
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Muscle Location Function

semitendinosus situated at the posterior and assists in extending the hip joint and flex (or bend) the
medial aspect of the thigh knee joint. It also helps medially rotate the knee.

semimembranosus a muscle in the back of the thigh,
the most medial of the three
hamstring muscles
- origin is the ischial tuberosity
and it inserts on the medial
condyle
- assists in extending the hip joint, it also helps
medially rotate the knee.
- assists in medially rotating the tibia on the femur
when the knee is flexed.

rectus femoris situated in the middle of the front - knee extension

of the thigh. - hip flexion
- antagonist to hamstrings
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Muscle Location Function

vastus lateralis Origin: outer surface of the knee extension

greater trochanter of the femur
and the upper half of the linea
aspera
Insertion: Patella via the
quadriceps tendon and then the
tribal tuberosity via the patella
tendon

vastus medialis origin: intertrochanteric line - active in providing control of knee extension.
(between the greater and lesser - often described as the “teardrop muscle” due to itʼs
trochanters of the femur) and the shape
medial lip of the linea aspera of
the femur
Insertion: patella via the
quadriceps tendon and then the
tibial tuberosity via the patella
tendon

vastus intermedius rises from the front and lateral knee extension
surfaces of the body of the femur
in its upper two thirds.
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Muscle Location Function

sartorius Origin: Illium - helps in knee flexion, abduction, as well as lateral

rotation of the hip
Insertion: Medial Condyle - the longest muscle in the human body.

gastrocnemius located with the soleus in the
posterior compartment of the leg.
origin: medial condyle of the
femur
- pulls the heel up and thus extends the foot
downward
- provides the propelling force in running and jumping

insertation: posterior surface of

the calcaneus.

tibialis anterior origin: arises from the lateral - the movements of tibialis anterior are dorsiflexion
condyle and upper half or two and inversion of the ankle.
thirds of the lateral surface of the - assists in maintaing balance by keeping the legs as
body of the tibia. vertical as possible should be the foot attached to
the tibialis anterior is weight bearing.
insertion: into the medial and
under surface of the medial
cuneiform bone and the base of
the first metatarsal bone
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Muscle Location Function

soleus located in the superficial posterior - plantarflexion of the foot

compartment of the leg - important while standing, running, walking and
dancing
origin: the posterior surfaces of - also responsible for pumping venous blood back into
the head of the fibulaʼs upper the heart from the periphery
quarter, middle third of the medial
border of the tibia
insertion: the achilles tendon,
inserts into the posterior of
calcaneus

Thorax

Pectoralis major situated at the chest of the body
origin: clavicular head: medial
half of the clavicle and sternal
head: sternum cartilage of upper
6 ribs
insertion: lateral lip of bicipital
groove of humerus
movement of the shoulder joint
- flexion of the humerus
- adduction of the humerus
- rotation of humerus medially
- deep inspiration (deep breathing)
- responsible for keeping the arm attached to the trunk
of the body
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Muscle Location Function

trapezius origin: external occipital
protuberance (7-T12 (spinous
processes)
insert:
- upper: lateral clavicle, acromion
- middle: retraction of scapula
- lower: depression, upward
rotation of scapula
- to move shoulder blade toward the spine
- rotate shoulder blade so that topmost part of the arm
faces up
- moves shoulder blade up and down
- bring neck and head in a backward direction
- to rotate and side bend the neck
- to assist in breathing

intercostals located around the ribs internal: responsible for depression of ribs decreasing
the transverse dimensions of the thoracic cavity
internal: originate on ribs 2-12
and insertions on ribs 1-11 external: fix intercostal spaces during respiration and
assists in forced inspiration by elevating ribs
external: originates in inferior
border of ribs as far as posterior
angle
insertion is at superior border of
ribs below, passing obliquely
downwards and backwards
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Muscle Location Function

Shoulder & Neck

deltoid the shoulder muscles anterior: flexion, horizontal adduction, medial rotation
of humerus
origin: anterior is located on the
lateral third of clavicle, middle is middle: abduction of humerus to 90 degrees
at lateral acromion and posterior
is at the spine of the scapula posterior: extension horizontal abduction, lateral
rotation of humerus
Insertion: deltoid tuberosity of
humerus

brachioradialis origin: humerus at the lateral assists in elbow flexion and is also a semipronator
condyle and a semisupinator of the forearm bringing it from
supine or prone position to neutral position
insertion: radius (lateral distal) at
the styloid process

biceps brachii Origin: Scapula at the the most important biceps brachii performs are
supraglenoid tuberosity and the rotations of the forearm and to flexion of the elbow
coracoid process

Insertion: Radius at the tubercle

and the fascia of the forearmʼs
bicipital aponeurosis.
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Muscle Location Function

triceps brachii The Triceps brachii have three
heads and have the following
origins:
Long Head: infraglenoid tubercle
of the scapula
Lateral Head: posterior shaft of
the humerus, lateral and superior
to the radial (spiral) groove.
The triceps is an extensor muscle of the elbow joint
(extending the elbow being itʼs primary function), and
is an antagonist of the biceps and brachialis muscles.
It can also fixate the elbow joint when the forearm and
hand are used for movements such as writing.
Itʼs secondary function is fulfilled by the long head of
the muscle, which is to bring the arm down towards
the body of the muscle (adduction)

Medial Head: posterior shaft of

the humerus, medial and inferior
to the radial (spiral) groove.

The fibers converge to a single

tendon to insert onto the
olecranon process of the ulna
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Muscle Location Function

Abdomen & Back

latissimus dorsi partially covered by the trunk on
its median dorsal region.
origins:
Iliumʼs posterior crest, sacrum
(posterior), vertebral column
(lateral surface: lumbar vertebrae
L1-5, thoracic vertebrae (t7-12)
and ribs (lower 3 or 4)
- main function is to pull your upper arms down and to
your sides. It also pulls your upper arms down and in
front of your body with help from your lower
pectorals and rotates your upper arms inward
- assisted in all movements by the teres major
- all fibers perform the same action and are innervated
by the same nerve.

insertion:
- Humerus (proximal anterior/
medial) at the Intertubercular
Groove (medial side)

rectus abdominis Origin: pubic crest and pubic - ”abs”

symphysis - flexes trunk, aids forced expiration and raised intra-
abdominal pressure
Insertion: 5,6,7 costal cartilages,
medial inferiorcostal margin and
posterior aspect of xiphoid
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Muscle Location Function

external oblique origin: anterior angles of lower supports abdominal wall, assists forced expiration,
eight ribs aids raising intraabdominal pressure and, with
muscles of opposite side, abducts and rotates trunk
insertion: outer anterior half of
iliac crest, inguinal ligament,
public tubercle and crest, and
aponeurosis of anterior rectus
sheath

gluteus maximus origin: outer surface of the ilium Extends and laterally rotates hip. Maintains knee
behind posterior gluteal line & extended via iliotibial tract.
posterior third of iliac crest
lumbar fascia, lateral mass of
sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament
and coccyx

Insertion: deepest quarter into

gluteal tuberosity of femur,
remaining three quarters into
iliotibial tract (anterior surface of
lateral condyle of tibia)
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Muscle Location Function

gluteus medius Origin: outer surface of the ilium abducts and medially roatates hip. Tilts pelvis on
between posterior and middle walking.
gluteal lines

insertion: posterolateral surface

of greater trochanter of femur