Muscle Terminology & Nomenclature Flashcards
Agonist
A muscle that is a prime mover or primarily responsible for the movement
Antagonist
A muscle that counteracts the action of the prime mover. This muscle will relax or stretch when the agonist contracts.
Synergist
A muscle that works to assist a prime mover (Agonist) to create movement or stabilize a joint where the movement is occurring.
Atrophy
When a muscle is wasting or decreasing in size.
Hypertrophy
When a muscle increases in size or even overgrows.
Hypotonicity
An abnormal decrease in resting muscle tone. Usually indicates a long standing problem. The muscle will feel soft and squishy to the touch.
Hypertonicity
An abnormal increase in resting muscle tone. Usually indicates an issue involving inflammation and irritation to a peripheral nerve (such as spinal joint dysfunction). Upon palpation, the muscle will feel extremely tight and often with spasms.
Extrinsic
A muscle whose origin begins in one system and insertion crosses or bridges another system 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.
Origin
The proximal end of the muscle, which is usually closest to the body. It serves as an anchor for movement during the contraction phase.
Insertion
The distal end of the muscle, which has crossed at least one joint and attached to a movable part. Upon contraction of the muscle (shortening), movement will occur.
Expaxial
Muscles positioned dorsal to the transverse processes of the spinal column
Hypaxial
Muscles positioned ventral to the transverse processes of the spinal column.
Major
Greater in size or function
Minor
Lesser in size or function
Ascendens
A muscle that goes uphill (ascends)
Decendens
A muscle that goes downhill (descends)
Cepalicus
Muscles that originate near or from the head
Collagen
A fibrous insoluble protein found in the connective tissue, skin, ligaments, and cartilage.
Complexus
A Latin term meaning embracing or encircling
Digitorum
A muscle going to a digit. (A digit in a human would be a finger or toe, a digit in a horse includes P1, P2, P3 - which includes the pastern to the coronet band).
Levator
A muscle that raises or elevates a body part
Obliquus
A Latin term meaning slanting; oblique
Pennaform
A Latin term meaning feather-formed
Profundus
A deep muscle
Rector/ Rectus/ Erectus
A Latin term meaning straight
Serratus
Serrated, jagged, notched muscle
Teres
A round muscle
Vast
Meaning huge or great
