
The human body is made up of about 700 named muscles, each a discrete organ constructed of skeletal muscle tissue, blood vessels, tendons, and nerves. These muscles are sometimes classified by the type of function they perform, and many derive their names from their anatomical region. For example, the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis are found in the abdominal region. The muscle featured in the image could be responsible for elevation of the pharynx during swallowing. Other muscles highlighted in similar images include the deltoid muscle, the biceps brachii, and the vastus medialis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Rectus Abdominis, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboid Major, Internal Oblique, Gluteus Medius, External Oblique, Coracobrachialis, Triceps Brachii, Extensor Digitorum, Flexor Pollicis Brevis, Tensor Fasciae Latae, Quadratus Femoris, Fibularis Longus, Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Extensor Pollicis Longus, Extensor Indicis, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Dorsal Interosseus, Biceps Brachii, Abductor Pollicis Longus, Teres Minor, Teres Major, Serratus Anterior, Vastus Medialis, Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus, Plantaris, Rectus Femoris, Iliopsoas, Pectoralis Minor, Erector Spinae, Palmaris Longus, Adductor Pollicis, Brachialis, Pronator Teres, Flexor Pollicis Brevis, Mentalis, Deltoid, Trapezius |
| Function | Flexion of vertebral column, elevation of the pharynx during swallowing, flexion of wrist and fingers, supination of wrist, adduction of legs, closing eyelids, flexion of arm at elbow, extension of hand at wrist, flexion of thumb, extension of thumb, extension of index finger, extension of wrist, abduction of arm at shoulder, extension and straightening of back, support and stability of spine, extension of thigh, adduction of thigh, flexion of thigh, extension of spine, depression of shoulder, flexion of shoulder, flexion of hip, flexion and medial rotation of hip, flexion and adduction of hip, flexion and lateral rotation of hip, support and stability of shoulder, extension of hip, flexion of hip and knee, extension of hip and vertebral column, flexion of vertebral column, flexion of shoulder, extension of forearm, flexion of thumb |
| Origin | Acromion and spine of scapula |
| Insertion | Distal phalanx of thumb |
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What You'll Learn

The Mentalis muscle
The inferior labial branch of the facial artery and mental branch of the maxillary artery supply the mentalis muscle. The mentalis muscle may be visualised on high-resolution ultrasound of the chin as a consistently identifiable hypoechoic structure in the mental region.
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The Rectus Abdominis
Weak abdominal muscles can lead to a series of problems, including spinal issues. Assessing the strength of the rectus abdominis is important, and can be done by asking a patient to bring their trunk against gravity from a supine position.
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The Serratus Anterior
Weakness of the serratus anterior leads to an altered line of pull of the rotator cuff muscle, which could increase the risk of subacromial impingement syndrome. Common causes of serratus anterior muscle pain include tension, stress, and overuse, and it is common in sports with repetitive motions such as swimming, tennis, or weightlifting.
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The Trapezius
Injuries to the trapezius muscle are less common than with other muscles, but they can happen, especially in bodybuilders lifting weights that are too heavy. Some symptoms of trapezius injuries include limited mobility, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, neck and shoulder stiffness, and swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the shoulders, neck, or back.
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The Vastus Medialis
This muscle plays a crucial role in extending the knee and stabilizing the kneecap. It works in tandem with the other quadriceps muscles to straighten the knee and keep the kneecap properly aligned during leg movements. However, due to its weight-bearing function and the impact forces it absorbs during activities such as running and jumping, the vastus medialis is susceptible to injuries and strain.
Weakness or injury to the vastus medialis can lead to knee pain and instability, making it difficult to perform activities such as running, climbing stairs, lifting objects from the ground, or even rising from a chair. Knee pain associated with the vastus medialis is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), which occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap is damaged due to injury or overuse. PFPS typically worsens with stairs or squatting and is common among athletes and individuals who have undergone knee surgery.
Another injury associated with the vastus medialis is patellar dislocation, which can occur during a fall or a blunt-force impact on the knee. In such cases, the VMO can tear, resulting in symptoms such as swelling, pain, deformity, and an inability to fully extend the knee. Additionally, knee osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis caused by aging-related wear and tear, can develop and reduce the range of motion of the knee.
Treatment for vastus medialis injuries typically involves rest, ice application, compression, and elevation of the leg, along with over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy is often recommended, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Specific exercises that target the muscles of the hip, thigh, and knee, such as squats, lunges, and step-ups, can help speed up healing and restore knee flexibility and strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Biceps Brachii.
On the front of the upper arm.
It is responsible for flexing the elbow and turning the forearm.
It is a skeletal muscle.










































