Equine Muscle Terms Flashcards
Agonist
A muscle that is the prime mover.
Antagonist
A muscle counteracting the action of another muscle.
Atrophy
A wasting away of a body part of tissue or a decrease in size
Hypertrophy
An increase in muscle size or overgrowth
Hypertonicity
Abnormal increase in resting muscle tone, usually indicates an issue causing inflammation and irritation to a peripheral nerve such as a spinal joint dysfunction. The muscle will feel extremely tight and spasms may accompany palpation.
Insertion
The distal end of the muscle, which has crossed at least one joint and is attached to a movable part. Upon contraction of the muscle (shortening) movement will occur.
Origin
The proximal end of the muscle that is usually closest to the body. It serves as an anchor for movement during the contraction phase.
Extrinsic
A muscle whose origin begins in one system and in which the insertion crosses or bridges another system; such as in the axial skeletal system to an appendicular system.
Intrinsic
A muscle whose origin begins in one system and the insertion ends in the same system.
Major
Greater in size or function
Minor
Lesser in size or function
Ascendens
A muscle lying in an upward or uphill direction; ascending
Cephalicus
Muscles originating near or at the head
Collagen
A fibrous insoluble protein found in the connective tissue, skin, ligaments, and cartilage.
Complexus
(Latin) embracing, encircling (obsolete term for the semispinalis capitis
