1. Naming Muscles
&
Muscle Groups

2. Naming Muscles Size 1. Vastus (huge) ex. Vastus medialis & lateralis
2. Maximus (large)
ex. Gluteus maximus
3. Longus (long)
ex. Adductor longus & Extensor carpi radialis longus
4. Minimus (small)
ex. Gluteus minimus
5. Brevis (short)
ex. Extensor digitorum brevis & extensor hallucis brevis

3. Naming Muscles Shape 1. Deltoid (triangular)
2. Rhomboid (like a rhombus with equal and parallel sides)
3. Latissimus (wide)
4. Teres (round)
5. Trapezius (like a trapezoid, a four-sided figure with two sides parallel)

4. Naming Muscles Direction of Fibres 1. Rectus (straight)
ex: rectus abdominus
2. Transverse (across)
ex: transverse abdominus
3. Oblique (diagonally)
ex: obliques

5. Naming Muscles Location 1. Pectoralis (chest)
ex: pectoralis major & minor
2. Gluteus (buttock)
ex: gluteus maximus, medius & minimus
3. Brachii (arm)
ex: biceps & triceps brachii
4. Supra- (above)
ex: supraspinatus
5. Infra- (below)
ex: infraspinatus
6. Sub- (under or beneath)
ex: subscapularis
7. Lateralis (lateral)
ex: vastus lateralis

6. Naming Muscles Number of Origins 1. Biceps (two heads)
ex: biceps brachii
2. Triceps (three heads)
ex: triceps brachii
3. Quadriceps (four heads)
ex: quadriceps femoris

7. Naming Muscles Origin and Insertion 1. Sternocleidomastoid
origin on the sternum and clavicle, insertion on the mastoid process
2. Brachioradialis
origin on the brachium or arm insertion on the radius).

8. Naming Muscles Action 1. Abductor 2. Adductor 3. Flexor 4. Extensor
moves parts of the body away from parts nearby
ex: abductor pollicis
abductor digiti minimi
2. Adductor
moves parts of the body toward parts nearby
ex: adductor longus, brevis & magnus
3. Flexor
causes a joint to bend, decreasing joint angle
ex: flexor carpi radialis
flexor hallicus longus
4. Extensor
causes a joint to straighten
ex: extensor carpi ulnaris
extensor indicis
5. Levator
lifts a structure
ex: lavator scapulae

9. Muscle Groupings Rotator Cuff S.I.T.S.
Four muscles that extend from the scapula to the
humerus wrapping around the shoulder joint, holding it
in place
S.I.T.S.
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres Minor
Subscapularis

10. Muscle Groupings Flexors Elbow: 1. Biceps brachii 2. Brachialis
3. Brachioradialis
Wrist/Fingers:
1. Palmaris longus
2. Flexor carpi radialis
3. Flaxor carpi ulnaris

11. Muscle Groupings Extensors Elbow: 1. Triceps brachii Wrist/Fingers:
1. Extensor carpi radialis
2. Extensor carpi ulnaris
3. Extensor digitorum

12. Muscle Groupings Erector Spinae Muscles
Lateral flexion and extension of vertebral column
Spinalis
Longissimus
Iliocostalis

13. Muscle Groupings Gluteal Muscles
Originate on the pelvic girdle and insert on the femur
1. Gluteus Maximus
2. Gluteus Medius
3. Gluteus Minimus

14. Muscle Groupings Quadriceps Femoris 1. Rectus Femoris
The large muscle group, consisting of four separate muscles, that cover the front and the sides of the thigh
All quadriceps muscles join distally via the patellar tendon, but have their own origins
They are extensors of the knee
1. Rectus Femoris
2. Vastus Lateralis
3. Vastus Intermedius
4. Vastus Medialis

15. Muscle Groupings Hamstring Muscles 1. Biceps femoris
Originate on the pelvis & insert on the tibia or fibula
They are flexors of the knee
1. Biceps femoris
2. Semimembranosus
3. Semitendanosus