Term | Definition |
Abduct | To move a skeletal part away from the midline |
Adduct | To move a skeletal part nearer the midline |
Agonist | A muscle that has the primary effect in a particular action |
Antagonist | A muscle whose action is opposite that of another muscle |
Antebrachium | The forearm |
Aponeurosis | A broad, sheet like tendon |
Axillary | Having to do with the region of the armpit |
Belly | The middle or the largest part of a muscle |
Biceps | Having two heads |
Brachium | The upper arm |
Capitis | Having to do with the head |
Deep fascia | Dense connective tissue on the surface of individual surfaces |
Deltoid | Triangular |
Digastric | Having two bellies |
Digital | Having to do with fingers or toes |
Dorsi | Having to do with back of trunk, foot or hand |
Elevate or Levitate | To raise a structure |
Extend | To straighten a part or to close a joint |
Fiber | Individual muscle cell; also used to describe the grossly visible grains or longitudinal lines |
Flex | To bend a part or to close a joint |
Gluteus | The rump or buttocks |
Hallucis | Having to do with the big toe |
Hallux | The big toe |
Head | A division of muscle |
Insertion | The attachment of a muscle to the more movable skeletal part, usually distal attachment of a muscle |
Lata | Wide |
Latissimus | Widest |
Masseter | A chewer |
Origin | The attachment of a muscle to the less movable skeletal part, usually proximal of a muscle |
Pectinate | Comblike |
Pectoral | Having to do with the chest |
Peroneal | Located near the fibula in the lateral compartment of the leg |
Piriformis | Pear-shaped |
Plexus | A network |
Pollex | The thumb |
Pollicis | Having to do with the thumb |
Pronate | To turn the palm of the hand down |
Psoas | Loin |
Quadriceps | Having four heads |
Rectus | Straight |
Retinaculum | A restraining band |
Serratus | Saw shaped, toothed on the edge |
Slips | Segment ally arranged multiple points of attachment |
Superficial fascia | Loose connective tissue that underlies the skin and attaches it to the superficial layer of muscles |
Supinate | To turn the palm of the hand upward |
Tendon | Dense, collagen plus connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone |
Tensor | A muscle that stretches a part |
Teres | Long and round |
Triceps | Having three heads |
Vastus | Large, expansive |