Chapter 14 Ana Lab

MUSCLE ORGANIZATION AND
BODY MOVEMENTS
Movement of limbs and other body parts by the
contraction (shortening) of skeletal muscles results from
the contraction of muscle fibers (cells) composing the
muscles involved. The type of movement is determined
by the sites of muscle attachment and the type of
articulation involved. Typically, a muscle is attached to
the skeleton at each end and spans across a joint where
the movement occurs. In this exercise, you will study
the structure of skeletal muscles and types of the body
movements at freely movable joints.
Muscle Attachments
A muscle is attached to a bone by the fusion of its fibrous

connective tissue with the periosteum. This attachment may be
direct or indirect. In a direct attachment, the muscle’s
connective tissue does not extend beyond the muscle but fuses
directly to the periosteum. In an indirect attachment, the
muscle’s connective tissue extends beyond the muscle as narrow
bandlike or ropelike tendon, or a broad sheetlike aponeurosis.
The upper end of the brachialis is directly attached to the
humerus; its lower end is joined to the ulna by a tendon.
The immovable end of a muscle is called the origin, and
the movable end – the end where action occurs is called
then insertion. The triceps has three origins, or head –
two on the humerus and one on the scapula-and one
insertion on the olecranon of the ulna. Contraction of the
muscle causes it to shorten and exert a forceful pull on
the olecranon, which extends the forearm. The brachialis
has a single origin on the shaft of the humerus and a
single insertion on the coronoid process of the ulna.
Contraction shortens the muscle, causing a pull on the
ulna that results in flexion of the forearm.
The two heads of the triceps that are attached
to the humerus and the origin of the brachialis
are attached directly to the periosteum by the
connective tissue of the muscle; no tendon is
involved. In contrast, the scapular head of the
triceps and the insertions of both muscles
consists of tendons.
Microscopic Structure
A muscle is composed of many muscle fibers that are

bound together in small bundles called fasciculi (fasciculus is
singular).
Adjacent fasciculi are separated from, and bound to, each

other by connective tissue called perimysium. A coarser
connective tissue, the epimysium, surrounds and binds
together all of the fasciculi in a muscle. Exterior to the
epimysium, the deep fascia also envelops the entire muscle.
Note that each muscle fiber is separated form,
and bound to, adjacent muscle fibers by a thin
layer of connective tissue called endomyium. A
single fiber is extended for easy recognition.
Body Movements
The arrangement of muscles in the body allows
them to produce specific body movements upon
contraction. The common types of movements are
noted below.
Flexion and Extension
Flexion is the decrease of the angle formed by

the bones at a joint. Extension is the increase if
this angle. Flexion of the arm occurs at the elbow
when the hand is brought toward the shoulder.
Straightening of the arm produces extension.
Flexing the foot upward is called dorsiflexion.
Moving the sole of the foot downward, or flexion
of the toes, is called plantar flexion. Extension
of the foot at the ankle is the same as plantar
flexion. When extension is excessive, as when
learning backward, it is called hyperextension.
Abduction and Adduction
The movement of a limb away from the midline

of the body is abduction. Movement toward
the midline is adduction. These terms may be
applied to parts of a limb, such as fingers and
toes, by using the axis of the limb as the point
of reference.
Pronation and Supination
The palm of the hand faces anteriorly in the

anatomical position. Rotating the hand so the palm
faces posteriorly is pronation. Supination
rotates the palm to again face anteriorly. These
terms also apply when the arm is not in the
anatomical position. Turning the palm downward
is pronation, and turning it upward is supination.
Inversion and Eversion
These terms apply to foot movement.

Inversion is when the sole of the foot is turned
inward toward the midline of the body. Eversion
is turning the sole outward away from the midline.
Rotation and Circumduction
The movement of a body part around is

longitudinal axis is rotation. If the body part
can be rotated so that it describes a circle, the
movement is called circumduction. For example,
the head, arm, and leg can be rotated, but only
the arm and leg can be circumduction.
Constriction and Dilation
Sphincter muscles are circular muscles

that surround openings of the body.
Contraction cause constriction of the
opening; relaxation causes dilation of the
opening.
Muscle Arrangements
Muscles usually function in groups to bring about body

movements. The prime mover is the primary muscle in the
group that produces the desired action. The assisting muscles, the
synergists, impart steadiness and prevent unnecessary action.
Other muscles that hold structures in position for action are called
fixators.
Muscles are usually arranged in antagonistic groups

so that the contraction of the other muscle, the antagonist,
causes the opposite action. Smooth movement requires that each
muscle relax while the opposing muscle contracts.

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Chapter 14 Ana Lab

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MUSCLE ORGANIZATION AND

A muscle is attached to a bone by the fusion of its fibrous

A muscle is composed of many muscle fibers that are

Adjacent fasciculi are separated from, and bound to, each

Flexion is the decrease of the angle formed by

The movement of a limb away from the midline

The palm of the hand faces anteriorly in the

These terms apply to foot movement.

The movement of a body part around is

Sphincter muscles are circular muscles

Muscles usually function in groups to bring about body

Muscles are usually arranged in antagonistic groups

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