Introduction to the Limbs Flashcards
What is special about the functions of the upper limb of a human compared to the equivalent structure on a quadruped?
– has almost no locomotor function
– has a great degree of freedom of movement
It is an organ for grasping and manipulating
What defines the structure and function of the upper limb?
Highly mobile joints
Levers
Enable the hand to be brought to any point in space and keep it steadily
What are the functions of the lower limb?
Supports the body weight
Involved mainly in locomotion
The bones of the lower limb are more robust than the bones and joints of the upper limb
From where and when do the limbs develop?
~Week 4 of development, specialized cells migrate from the somites and the lateral plate mesoderm
Limb buds form where the arms and legs will develop.
What are the three types of muscles in regards to their structure?
Skeletal muscles, Smooth muscles, Cardiac muscles
Where can the origin of a muscle normally be found?
usually the proximal end of the muscle, which remains fixed during muscular contraction
Where can the insertion of the muscle normally be found?
usually the distal end of the muscle, which is movable
What happens when a muscle is stimulated?
a muscle contracts and tries to bring its two ends closer.
In what direction do muscles normally contract/shorten?
in the Insertion -> Origin direction
What are the two types of muscle contraction?
Isometric contraction
Isotonic contraction
What are the two types of isotonic contraction?
A. Concentric contraction
B. Eccentric contraction
What is eccentric contraction?
When the muscle elongates while under tension due to an opposing force greater than the muscle generates
When does eccentric contraction occur?
Occurs as a braking force in opposition to a concentric contraction to protect from injury
(lowering a dumbbell)
What is concentric contraction?
Muscle contracts according to the sliding filament mechanism and shortens
(lifting a dumbbell)
What are the 5 types of muscle in regards to their purpose in a movement?
- Prime mover
- Agonist
- Synergist muscles
- Antagonistic muscles
- Fixating muscles
What is a prime mover?
Muscle(s) that play the primary role in moving a body part
What is an agonist?
Muscle(s) that acts directly to produce a desired movement
What are synergist muscles?
Muscle(s) which prevent unwanted movements associated with the action of the prime movers
What are antagonistic muscles?
Muscle(s) which directly oppose a movement
What are fixating muscles?
Muscle(s) that provide the necessary support to assist in holding the rest of the body in place while the movement occurs
What are the two different kinds of fascia in regards to their location?
Superficial fascia and
Deep (investing) fascia
What are the features of superficial fascia
- Just beneath the skin
* Contains adipose tissue
What are the features of deep (investing) fascia
- Ensheath muscles but continuous
- Facilitate contraction
- Barrier between muscles
- Compartments of muscles
- Passages for nerves and vessels
- Attachment for muscles (eg. by forming Interosseous membranes)
- Hold tendons in place (by forming Retinaculae)
What are retinaculae?
A retinaculum (actual plural retinacula) is a band of thickened deep fascia around tendons that holds them in place
What do deep fascia form between the muscles?
septae between the muscles to separate them into compartments
What do septae form?
potential spaces to allow passage of nerves and blood vessels
What is compartment syndrome?
An injury to the muscle within a tough compartment may cause swelling and increased pressure that compresses the neurovascular bundles