Erin C.
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology
Muscle Naming
TOPIC: MUSCLE NAMING
l Many factors influence muscle naming—recognizing them can help you identify and remember muscles.
n Body _____________ n ____________ n ____________ n Muscle ____________
n ____________ of Muscle Fibers n Location of Attachments n Number of Heads (origins)
Gluteus Maximus Rhomboid Major Extensor Digitorum Muscle
EXAMPLE: The table below lists several muscles. Put a check in the box if the muscle’s name involves a
particular naming convention.
Body Muscle Direction Location of Number
Muscle Shape Size
Region Action of Fibers Attachments of Heads
Biceps Femoris Muscle
Brachioradialis
Transverse Abdominis
Serratus Anterior Muscle
Flexor Hallucis Brevis Muscle
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Erin C. Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology
Muscle Naming
TOPIC: MUSCLE NAMING
PRACTICE: Based on the name, how does the fibularis brevis compare to the fibularis longus?
a) The fibularis brevis muscle is relatively short while the fibularis longus is relatively long.
b) The fibularis brevis muscle is flat while the fibularis longus is triangular.
c) The fibularis brevis muscle is relatively slender while the fibularis longus is relatively wide.
d) The fibularis brevis muscle has a pennate fascicle arrangement while the fibularis longus has a parallel fascicle
arrangement.
PRACTICE: Based on the name, how would you expect the orbicularis oris muscle to be shaped?
a) Triangular. b) Comb-like. c) Circular. d) Serrated.
PRACTICE: Which of the following muscle names does NOT provide information about the muscle’s actions?
a) Flexor pollicis brevis. c) Transverse abdominis.
b) Abductor digiti minimi. d) Extensor carpi radialis longus.
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