Article # 242. Muscle Anatomy

There are over 600 skeletal muscles in the human body attaching to a bone and connecting a joint to enable us to move our limbs.

Every muscle in the human body is responsible for extending or flexing of joints. There are 15 major muscle groups and each one performs a unique function. The Triceps Brachii lie opposite to the triceps. The function of these muscles is to extend the elbow. The Biceps Brachii are located in the upper arm. These muscles assist with elbow function. The Rhomboid Major is an upper back muscle that helps elevate the scapula. The Trapezius is also a back muscle that helps with elevation of the scapula. The Latissimus Dorsi is located in the lower back and is used in extension and internal rotation of the body. The Deltoid is the shoulder muscle. Its function is to flex, rotate or extend the shoulder. The Pectoralis Major lies in the front of the shoulders. Its function is similar to that of the Deltoid . The Erector Spinae is located in the back and is necessary for trunk extension.

The External and Internal Obliques are on the front sides of the torso and make torso rotation possible. The Rectus Abdominus' function is to flex the spine and stabilize the torso. The Gastrocnemius is the calf muscle and ankle flexion is its function. The Adductor Magnus and Adductor Brevis and Longus are muscles in the inner thigh. Flexion and internal rotation are the main functions of this muscle group. The Rectus Femoris allows hip flexion and knee extension. The Gluteus Maximus functions in hip extension and external rotation. The last of the muscles are the Gluteus Medius and Tensor Fasciae Latae and they are the outer thigh muscles. Their function is hip abduction. Flexion and extension are the primary functions of the 15 major muscles and muscle groups. Regular exercise is essential to keep the muscles, muscle groups and joints of the body working together.