Several criteria were given for the naming of muscles. Match the criteria (column B) to the muscle names (column A). Note that more than one criterion may apply in some cases. Column A 1. gluteus maximus 2. adductor magnus 3. biceps femoris 4. transversus abdominis 5. extensor carpi ulnaris 6. trapezius 7. rectus femoris 8. external oblique Column B a. action of the muscle b. shape of the muscle c. location of the origin and/or insertion of the muscle d. number of origins e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region f. direction in which the muscle fibers run relative to some imaginary line g. relative size of the muscle
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Matching:
- Gluteus maximus
- g. relative size of the muscle
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
- Adductor magnus
- a. action of the muscle
- g. relative size of the muscle
- Biceps femoris
- d. number of origins
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
- Transversus abdominis
- f. direction in which the muscle fibers run relative to some imaginary line
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- a. action of the muscle
- c. location of the origin and/or insertion of the muscle
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
- Trapezius
- b. shape of the muscle
- Rectus femoris
- f. direction in which the muscle fibers run relative to some imaginary line
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
- External oblique
- f. direction in which the muscle fibers run relative to some imaginary line
- e. location of the muscle relative to a bone or body region
Explanation
Muscle names in anatomy are derived from Latin and Greek terms that describe their key characteristics. These characteristics help identify muscles based on structure, function, and position. The gluteus maximus, for example, includes the term maximus which indicates it is the largest in its group, and gluteus refers to the buttock region. The adductor magnus is named for its action, as it adducts the thigh, and magnus again refers to its large size.
The biceps femoris includes biceps, meaning two origins or heads, and femoris, indicating its position on the femur. Transversus abdominis indicates fiber direction (transverse or horizontal) and its location in the abdominal region. The extensor carpi ulnaris tells us the action is extension, carpi refers to the wrist, and ulnaris indicates its location near the ulna.
Trapezius is unique in that it is named for its shape which resembles a trapezoid. The rectus femoris contains rectus, meaning straight, referring to the alignment of muscle fibers, and femoris again relates to the femur. The external oblique muscle has fibers that run diagonally and is located on the outer part of the abdomen.
By analyzing muscle names using these criteria, healthcare professionals and students can gain insights into muscle structure and function without always relying on visual identification. This systematic naming aids in learning and communication across various disciplines within anatomy and medicine.
