Muscle Names

Guidelines for naming muscles Direction of muscle fibers 1. Rectus – along/parallel to a line a. Ex. rectus femoris – along femur 2. Oblique – run at a slant to a line a. Ex. abdominal obliques

Relative Size 1. Maximus – largest 2. Medius - middle 3. Minimus – smallest Gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus

Location of the muscle 1. Associated bone names a. Ex. temporalis

Number of Origins 1. Ex. Biceps brachii, triceps brachii

Location of origins and insertions 1. Ex. Sternocleidomastoid – attaches at sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process of temporal bone

Shape of the muscle 1. Ex. Deltoid – delta (triangle shape)

Action of the muscle 1. Flexor, extensor, adductor