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.
