Glossary: Muscles and Related Anatomic Terms

Question 1

Abduction

Answer 1

Movement that draws a body part away from the midline of the body.

Question 2

Achilles tendon

Answer 2

Tendon of the gastrocnemius that inserts at the tarsus or hock.

Question 3

Adduction

Answer 3

Movement that draws a body part toward the midline of the body.

Question 4

Antagonist

Answer 4

A muscle acting in opposition to another.

Question 5

Aponeurosis

Answer 5

Broad sheet of fibrous connective tissue that serves as a tendon to attach muscles to bone or to bind muscle together.

Question 6

Arrector pili

Answer 6

Smooth muscles in dorsum that act to raise the hairs on the back.

Question 7

Biceps brachii

Answer 7

Flexor of distal foreleg.

Question 8

Biceps femoris

Answer 8

Portion of “semi” group of muscles, flexor of the distal hind limb.

Question 9

Cardiac

Answer 9

Type of striated muscle fiber found in the heart.

Question 10

Cremaster

Answer 10

Muscle found in spermatic cord that raises and lowers the testicles.

Question 11

Cutaneous trunci

Answer 11

Muscle of the dermis that is responsible for insect-repelling skin twitch.

Question 12

Diaphragm

Answer 12

Musculomembranous wall between abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Question 13

Epaxial group

Answer 13

Muscles of the dorsal back sometimes used for intramuscular injections.

Question 14

Extensors

Answer 14

Muscles that extend a part of the body.

Question 15

External intercostals

Answer 15

Respiratory muscles situated between the ribs.

Question 16

External oblique

Answer 16

Muscle that compresses and supports the abdomen.

Question 17

Fascia

Answer 17

Sheet of fibrous membrane that encloses muscles and separates them into groups.

Question 18

Fibers

Answer 18

Muscle threads or filaments, usually in bundles.

Question 19

Flexors

Answer 19

Muscles that flex a part of the body.

Question 20

Gastrocnemius

Answer 20

Muscle of the distal hind limb that flexes the leg and extends the foot.

Question 21

Gluteal group

Answer 21

A group of muscles on the dorsal pelvis sometimes used for intramuscular injections.

Question 22

Iliocostalis

Answer 22

Portion of epaxial group of muscles in dorsum.

Question 23

Insertion

Answer 23

The more movable of the two points of attachment of a muscle.

Question 24

Internal intercostals

Answer 24

Respiratory muscles situated between the ribs.

Question 25

Internal oblique

Answer 25

Muscle that compresses and supports the abdomen.

Question 26

Latissimus dorsi

Answer 26

The broadest muscle of the back; supports the forelimb and aids in flexing the shoulder.

Question 27

Ligament

Answer 27

Strong bands of fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilage that aid or restrict movement and support organs.

Question 28

Linea alba

Answer 28

Fibrous band of connective tissue that is the center attachment of the abdominal muscles on the ventral abdominal wall.

Question 29

Longissimus

Answer 29

Portion of epaxial group of muscles in dorsum.

Question 30

Masseter

Answer 30

Muscle of mastication.

Question 31

Mastication

Answer 31

The process of grinding or chewing food.

Question 32

Motor nerve

Answer 32

The nerve that connects to a muscle.

Question 33

Myology

Answer 33

The study of muscles.

Question 34

Neuromotor unit

Answer 34

Combination of the nerve cell and its group of muscles that are stimulated to cause muscle contraction.

Question 35

Orbicularis oculi

Answer 35

Muscle that moves the eyelids.

Question 36

Origin

Answer 36

The less movable of the two points of attachment of a muscle.

Question 37

Pectoral group

Answer 37

Group of muscles on the chest sometimes used for intramuscular injections.

Question 38

Prime movers

Answer 38

Muscles that actively produce a movement.

Question 39

Quadriceps femoris group

Answer 39

Group of muscles important for extension of the hind limb.

Question 40

Rectus abdominis

Answer 40

Muscle that compresses and supports the abdomen.

Question 41

Rectus femoris

Answer 41

Portion of the quadriceps femurs group of muscles of the hind limb.

Question 42

Sarcolemma

Answer 42

Plasma membrane of muscle cells.

Question 43

Sarcoplasm

Answer 43

Cytoplasm of muscle cells.

Question 44

"Semi" group

Answer 44

Sometimes called the hamstring group, flexors of distal hind limb.

Question 45

Semimembranosus

Answer 45

Portion of "semi" group of muscles, flexor of distal hind limb.

Question 46

Semitendinosus

Answer 46

Portion of "semi" group of muscles, flexor of distal hind limb.

Question 47

Serratus group

Answer 47

Group of muscles important for supporting the trunk of the body and for respiration.

Question 48

Skeletal

Answer 48

Type of striated muscle fiber that is voluntary.

Question 49

Smooth

Answer 49

Type of non striated muscle fiber that is involuntary.

Question 50

Synergists

Answer 50

Muscles that work together.

Question 51

Tendon

Answer 51

Strong, white bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone.

Question 52

Tendon sheath

Answer 52

Connective tissue surrounding tendons where there is a long distance to the distal attachment or where the tendon pulls over a joint.

Question 53

Transversospinalis

Answer 53

Portion of epaxial group of muscles in dorsum.

Question 54

Transversus abdominis

Answer 54

Muscle that compresses and supports the abdomen.

Question 55

Triceps brachii

Answer 55

Extensor of distal foreleg.

Question 56

Vastus intermedius

Answer 56

Portion of the quadriceps femurs group of muscles of the hind limb.

Question 57

Vastus lateralis

Answer 57

Portion of the quadriceps femurs group of muscles of the hind limb.

Question 58

Vastus medialis

Answer 58

Portion of the quadriceps femurs group of muscles of the hind limb.