CHAPTER 10:

MUSCULAR SYSTEM
GROSS ANATOMY

BSN 1A - Group 8
Topic Outline
10.1 -General Principle of
Skeletal Muscles
10.2 - Head and Neck Muscles
10.3 - Trunk Muscles
10.4 - Upper Limbs Muscles
10.5 - Lower Limbs Muscles
10.1 - General Principle of
Skeletal Muscles
two points of attachment of each
muscle to the bone are called:
origin
and the insertion
 Origin
The origin, also called the fixed
end, is usually the most
stationary, proximal end of the
muscle. Some muscles have
more than one origin. For
example, the triceps brachii has
three origins that join together to
form one muscle. In the case of
multiple origins, each origin is
called a head.
 insertion
The insertion, or mobile end, is
usually the distal end of the muscle
attached to the bone being pulled
toward the other bone of the joint. The
part of the muscle between the origin
and the insertion is the belly. At the
attachment point, tendons connect
each muscle to the bone. Tendons are
composed of dense connective tissue
and can be long and ropelike, broad,
and sheetlike (called aponeuroses;),
or very short.
The specific body movement
a muscle contraction causes
is called the muscle’s
action.

Agonist - The action of a

single muscle or group of
muscles
Antagonist - Opposed by
that of another muscle or
group of muscles.
Muscles also tend to function in groups to accomplish
specific movements. The muscles of the group are called
synergists.

In a group of synergists, the muscle that contributes most to

the movemenis called the prime mover.

Fixators - The stabilizers of prime movers.

muscle shapes
The shape and size of any given muscle greatly
influence the degree to which it can contract and the
amount of force it can generate.
five classes of muscle shapes
Circular
Convergent
Parallel
Pennate
Fusiform

Within some of the classes, there are different patterns based on the
shape of the particular muscle, including triangular, trapezium,
rhomboidal, and quadrate.
Circular
Circular muscles have their fascicles arranged in a circle around an
opening and act as sphincters (constrictors) to close the opening.
Examples of circular muscles are those that surround the eyes, called
the orbicularis oculi, and those that surround the mouth, called the
orbicularis oris.
Convergent
Convergent muscles have fascicles that join at one common tendon from a
wide area, which creates muscles that are triangular in shape. Having
fibers that lie side by side can result in muscles with less strength if the
total number of fibers is low. However, if the fibers are long, these muscles
can have a large range of motion. One example of convergent muscles
with many long fibers is the pectoralis muscles of the chest.
 Parallel
Parallel muscles, similarly to
convergent muscles, have fascicles
that are organized parallel to the long
axis of the muscle, but they terminate
on a flat tendon that spans the width
of the entire muscle. As a
consequence, parallel muscles can
shorten to a large degree because the
fascicles are in a direct line with the
tendon; however, they contract with
less force because fewer total
fascicles are attached to the tendon.
 Pennate
Pennate (pen′āt; pennatus, feather) muscles have fascicles that emerge
like the barbs on a feather from a common tendon that runs the length of
the entire muscle. The location of the fascicles relative to the tendon is the
basis for different types of pennate muscles.

types of pennate muscles:

Unipennate Muscles- the fascicles are onone side of the tendon.
Bipennate Muscles - have fasciclesarranged on two sides of the
tendon.
Multipennate Muscles - are those with fascicles arranged at many
places around the central
tendon.
 Fusiform
Fusiform muscles are those whose fascicles run the length of the entire muscle and taper at
each end to terminate at tendons. Fusiform muscles have a wider belly than the ends of the
muscle. Because their fibers are long, but are commonly numerous, these muscles
generally tend to be stronger than other muscles with parallel fascicle arrangements. The
biceps brachii, which flexes the forearm, is an example of a fusiform muscle.
Muscle Names
1. Location. A pectoralis (chest) muscle is located in the chest,
a gluteus (buttock) muscle is in the buttock, and a brachial
(arm) muscle is in the arm.

2. Size. The gluteus maximus (large) is the largest muscle of the

buttock, and the gluteus minimus (small) is the smallest. A longus
(long) muscle is longer than a brevis (short) muscle. In
addition, a second part to the name immediately tells us there is
more than one related muscle. For example, if there is a brevis
muscle, most likely a longus muscle is present in the same area.
3. Shape. The deltoid (triangular) muscle is triangular in shape,
a quadratus (quadrate) muscle is rectangular, and a teres (round)
muscle is round.

4. Orientation of fascicles. A rectus (straight, parallel) muscle has

muscle fascicles running in the same direction as the structure
with which the muscle is associated, whereas the fascicles of an
oblique muscle lie at an angle to the length of the structure.

5. Origin and insertion. The sternocleidomastoid has its origin on

the sternum and clavicle and its insertion on the mastoid process
of the temporal bone. The brachioradialis originates in the arm
(brachium) and inserts onto the radius.
6. Number of heads. A biceps muscle has two heads (origins),
and
a triceps muscle has three heads (origins).

7. Function. Recall from chapter 8 that body movements have

names, for example, abduction and adduction. Abductors and
adductors are the muscles that cause that type of movement.
Abduction moves a structure away from the midline, and
adduction moves a structure toward the midline.
Muscle Movements
Muscles and their bones perform work together through levers.
Levers are machines that consist of a rigid pole or beam that
can pivot, or move, at a stationary hinge.
The hinge is called a fulcrum (F).
The lever moves at the hinge and can apply force to a weight (W).
When muscles contract, the pull (P), or force, of muscle contraction is
applied to the levers (bones), causing them to move a body part (the
weight).
three classes of levers
Classes I
Classes II
Classes III
Class I Lever
In a class I lever system, the
fulcrum is between the pull and
the weight.
The fulcrum (F) is located
between the weight (W) and the
pull (P), or force. The pull is
directed downward, and the
weight, on the opposite side of
the fulcrum, is lifted. In the body,
the fulcrum extends through
several cervical vertebrae.
Class II Lever
The weight is located between
the fulcrum and the pull.
The weight (W) is located
between the fulcrum (F) and
the pull (P), or force. The
upward pull lifts the weight.
The movement of the
mandible is easier to compare
to a wheelbarrow if the head is
considered upside down.
Class III Lever
The most common type in the
body, the pull is between the
fulcrum and the weight
The pull (P), or force, is
located between the fulcrum
(F) and the weight (W). The
upward pull lifts the weight.
Muscle Anatomy
10.2 - Head and Neck
Muscles
Most of the flexors of the head and neck lie deep within the neck
along the anterior margins of the vertebral bodies (not
illustrated). Extension of the neck is accomplished by the
posterior neck muscles that attach to the occipital bone and
mastoid process of the temporal bone (figures 10.5 and 10.6),
functioning as a class I lever system.
Figures 10.5 and 10.6
• These muscles also rotate and laterally flex the neck.
The muscular ridge seen superficially in the posterior part
of the neck and lateral to the midline is composed of the trapezius
muscle overlying the splenius capitis (see figures 10.4b
and 10.5a). The fascicles of the trapezius muscles are shorter
at the base of the neck and leave a diamond-shaped area over
the inferior cervical and superior thoracic vertebral spines (see
figure 10.5b)
Figures 10.4a, 10.4b and 10.5b
• Rotation and lateral flexion of the neck are accomplished by muscles of both the lateral
and posterior groups.
Sternocleidomastoid (ster′nō-klī′dō-mas′toyd)- Prime mover of the
lateral group. It is easily seen on the anterior and lateral sides of the
neck, especially if the head is extended slightly and rotated to one side.
If the sternocleidomastoid muscle on only one side of the neck contracts,
the neck is rotated toward the opposite side.
If both contract together, they flex the neck (chin to chest). The scalene
muscles, which are deep and lateral on the neck, assist the
sternocleidomastoid in neck flexion. Lateral flexion of the neck (moving
the head back to the midline after it has been tilted to one side) is
accomplished by the lateral flexors of the opposite side.
Facial Expression
The skeletal muscles of the face (table 10.3; figure 10.7) are
cutaneous muscles attached to the skin. Many animals have
cutaneous muscles over the trunk that allow the skin to twitch
to remove irritants, such as insects. In humans, facial
expressions are important components of nonverbal
communication, and the cutaneous muscles are confined
primarily to the face and neck. Several muscles act on the
skin around the eyes and eyebrows (figures 10.7 and 10.8).
Figure 10.7
Figure 10.8
1. The occipitofrontalis (ok-sip′i-tō-frŭn-tă′lis) raises the eyebrows
and furrows the skin of the forehead.

2. The orbicularis oculi (ōr-bik′ū-la′ris ok′ū-lī) closes the eyelids

and causes “crow’s-feet” wrinkles in the skin at the lateral corners
of the eyes.

3. The levator palpebrae (le-vā′ter, lē-vā′tōr pal-pē′brē) superioris

raises the upper lids (figure 10.8a). A droopy eyelid on
one side, called ptosis (tō′sis), usually indicates that the nerve to
the levator palpebrae superioris, or the part of the brain controlling
that nerve, has been damaged.
4. The corrugator supercilii (kōr′ŭ-gā′ter, kōr′ŭ-gā′tōr soo′persil′ē-ī) draws
the eyebrows inferiorly and medially, producing vertical corrugations
(furrows) in the skin between the eyes. (Figure 10.8c).

Several muscles function in moving the lips and the skin surrounding the
mouth (figure 10.8; see figure 10.7).

1. The orbicularis oris (ōr-bik′ū-lā′ris ōr′is) and buccinator

(buk′si-nā-tōr), the kissing muscles, pucker the mouth.

2. Smiling is accomplished by the zygomaticus (zī′gō-mat′ikŭs) major and

minor, the levator anguli (ang′gū-lī) oris, and the risorius (rī-sōr′ē-ŭs).
3. Sneering is accomplished by the levator labii (lā′bē-ī)
superioris.

4. Frowning or pouting is achieved by the depressor anguli

oris, the depressor labii inferioris, and the mentalis
(mentā′lis). If the mentalis muscles are well developed on
each side of the chin, a chin dimple, where the skin is tightly
attached to the underlying bone or other connective tissue,
may appear between the two muscles.
Figure 10.8
Mastication
Chewing, or mastication (mas-ti-kā′shŭn), involves forcefully closing the mouth and grinding
food between the teeth of the mandible. These activities are carried out by the muscles of
mastication and the hyoid muscles (tables 10.4 and 10.5; figures 10.9 and 10.10).

The muscles of mastication include (1) the temporalis, (2) the masseter, and (3) the
pterygoids. The muscles of mastication are some of the strongest muscles of the body; they
bring the mandibular teeth forcefully against the maxillary teeth to crush food. Slight
mandibular depression involves relaxation of the mandibular elevators and the pull of
gravity. Opening the mouth wide requires the action of the depressors of the mandible
(lateral pterygoid, digastric, geniohyoid, mylohyoid). Even though the muscles of the tongue
and the buccinator (table 10.6; see table 10.3) are not involved in chewing, they help
move the food in the mouth and hold it in place between the teeth.
Swallowing and the Larynx
The hyoid muscles are divided into a suprahyoid group superior to the hyoid
bone and an infrahyoid group inferior to it (see table 10.5 and figures 10.10
and 10.11). When the hyoid bone is fixed by the infrahyoid muscles so that
the bone is stabilized from below, the suprahyoid muscles can help depress
the mandible. If figure 10.12). The muscles of the soft palate close the
posterior opening to the nasal cavity during swallowing.

When we swallow, muscles elevate the pharynx and larynx and then
constrict the pharynx (see chapter 24). Specifically, (1) the
palatopharyngeus (pal′ă-tō-far-in-jē′ŭs) elevates the pharynx and (2) the
salpingopharyngeus (sal-pin′gō-far-in-jē′ŭs) muscles then constrict the
pharynx from superior to inferior, forcing food into the esophagus.
-The salpingopharyngeus also opens the auditory tube, which connects
the middle ear to the pharynx. Opening the auditory tube equalizes the
pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere; this is why it is
sometimes helpful to chew gum or swallow when ascending or
descending a mountain in a car or when changing altitudes in an
airplane.

The muscles of the larynx are listed in table 10.7 and illustrated in figure
10.12b. Most of the laryngeal muscles help narrow or close the
laryngeal opening, so that food does not enter the larynx when a person
swallows. The remaining muscles shorten (relax) the vocal cords to
lower the pitch of the voice or lengthen (tense) the vocal cords to raise
the pitch of the voice.
Muscles of the Palate, Pharynx, Larynx
Movements of the eyeball
The eyeball rotates within the orbit to allow vision in a wide range of
directions. The movements of each eye are accomplished by six muscles,
which are named for the arrangement of their fascicles relative to the eye
(table 10.8; figure 10.13).Each of the four rectus (straight) muscles attaches
to the eyeball anterior to the center of the sphere.

1. The superior rectus rotates the anterior portion of the eyeball superiorly,
so that the pupil, and thus the gaze, is directed superiorly (looking up).

2. The inferior rectus depresses the gaze.

3. The lateral rectus laterally deviates (abducts) the gaze (looking to the
side).
4. The medial rectus medially deviates (adducts) the gaze (looking
toward the nose).

The superior rectus and inferior rectus are not completely straight
in their orientation to the eye; thus, they also medially deviate the gaze
as they contract.
Strabismus (stra-biz′mu˘ s)
a condition in which one or
both eyes deviate in a medial
or lateral direction.
In some cases, strabismus is
caused by a weakness in
either the medial or the
lateral rectus muscle.
10.3 TRUNK MUSCLES
Muscles moving the vertebral column
The muscles that extend, lateraly flex, and rotate the
vertebral column are divided into superficial and deep
groups. In general, the muscles of superficial group
connects the vertebrae to the ribs, whereas the muscles of
the deep group connect vertebrae together. These back
muscles are very strong to maintain erect posture.
The ERECTOR SPINAE group of muscles on each eside
of the back consists of three subgroups:
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
The longissimus group accounts for most of the muscle mass in the
lower back. The deepest muscles of the back attach between the
spinous and transverse processes of individual vertibrae
Figure 10.14 Figure 10.15
THORACIC MUSCLES
The muscles of the thorax are mainly involve in the control
of breathing. Four major groups of thoracix muscles are
associated with the rib cage, which helps air flow into the
lungs. Changes in the diameter of the rib cage are
important for determining airflow into and out of the lungs.
THORACIC MUSCLES
The SCALENE muscles elevate the first two ribs during more forceful inspiration. The
EXTERNAL INTERCOSTAL elevate. the ribs during quiet, resting and inspiration. The INTERNAL
INTERCOASTALS and TRANSVERSUS THORACIS muscles depress the ribs during forced
expiration.
The DIAPHRAM is the muscle responsible for normal, quiet breathing. It is a dome-shaped
muscle; when it contracts, the dome flattens slightly, causing the volume of the thoracic
cavity to increase and resulting inspiration. If this dome of skeleteal muscle or the phrenic
nerve controlling it is severely damaged, the amount of air moving into out of the lungs may
be so small that the individual cannot survive without the aid of an artificial respirator.
Figure 10.16
ABDOMINAL WALL
The muscles of the interior abdominal wall include the (1) rectus abdominis, (2)
external abdominal oblique, (3) external abdominal oblique, and (4) transversus
abdominis.
ABDOMINAL WALL
These muscle flex and rotate the vertebral comlumn. Contraction of
the abdominal muscles when the vertebral column is stationary
decreases the volume of the abdominal cavity and the thoracic
cavity and can aid in such functions as forced expiration, vomiting,
defecation, coughing, and childbirth. The criss-cross layering of all
the abdominal muscles creates a strong anterior wall, which holds in
and protects the abdominal viscera. This is especially important
because the anterior wall in not supported by bone.
ABDOMINAL WALL
In a relatively muscular person with little body fat, a vertical line called the LINEAR ALBA, or
white line, is visible. It is an area consisting of only dense regular coonective tissue. The linea
alba extends from the xiplhoid process of the strenum through the navel to the pubis. On each
side of the linea alba is the RECTUS ABDOMINIS. Surrounded by a RECTUS SHEATH. TENDINOUS
INTERSECTIONS (tendinous intersections) transect therectus abdominis at three, or sometimes
more, locations, causing theabdominal wall of a lean, well-muscled person to appear segmented
(a "six-pack"). Lateral to the rectus abdominis is the LINEA SEMILUNARIS ( a crescent - or half-
moon-shaped line); lateral to it are three layers of muscle. From superficial (outermost) to deep
(innermost), these muscles are the EXTERNAL ABDOMINAL OBLIQUE, INTERNAL ABDOMINAL
OBLIQUE, and TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS.
Figure
10.17
Figure 10.18
PELVIC DIAGRAM AND PERINEUM
The pelvis is a ring of bone with an inferior opening that is closed by a
muscular wall, thorough which the anus and the urogenital openings
penetrate. The pelvic floor is called the PELVIC DIAGRAM. It consists of the
COCCYGEUS muscle and the LEVATOR ANI muscle. Just inferior to (beneath)
the pelvic diagram is a diamond-shaped area called the PERINEUM. The
anterior half of the perineum is the UROGENITAL TRIANGLE, and the
posterior half of the perineum is the ANAL TRIANGLE. During pregnancy, the
muscles of the pelvic diagram and urogenital triangle maybe sstretched by
te extra weight of the fetus, and specific exercise are designed to stregthen
them.
Figure 10.19
10.4 UPPER LIMB MUSCLES
Scapular Movement
The muscles that attach the scapula to the thorax include the (1) trapezius, (2) levator
scapulae (skap′ū-lē), (3) rhomboideus (rom-bō-id′ē-ŭs) major and (4) rhomboideus minor, (5)
serratus (sĕr-ā′tŭs) anterior, and (6) pectoralis (pek′tō-ra′lis) minor. These muscles move the
scapula, permitting a wide range of movements of the upper limb, or they act as fixators to
hold the scapula firmly in position when the arm muscles contract. The superficial muscles
that act on the scapula can easily be seen on a living person: The trapezius forms the upper
line from each shoulder to the neck, and the origin of the serratus anterior from the first eight
or nine ribs can be seen along the lateral thorax. The serratus anterior inserts onto the medial
border of the scapula.
Arm Movements
Each of our arms is attached to the thorax by several muscles, including the
pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi (lă-tis′i-mŭs dōr′sī). This muscle
flexes the extended shoulder and extends the flexed shoulder. The deltoid
muscle is like three muscles in one: The anterior fibers flex the shoulder, the
lateral fibers abduct the arm, and the posterior fibers extend the shoulder.
The deltoid muscle is part of the group of muscles that binds the humerus to
the scapula.
Arm Movements
However, the primary muscles holding the head of the humerus in the
glenoid cavity are called the rotator cuff musclesbecause they form a
cuff or cap over the proximal humerus. The rotator cuff muscles include
(1) the infraspinatus (in-fră-spī-nā′tŭs), (2) the subscapularis (sŭb-skap-
ū-lā′ris), (3) the supraspinatus (soo-pră-spī-nā′tŭs), and (4) the teres
(ter′ēz, tēr′ēz) minor. A rotator cuff injury involves damage to one or more
of these muscles or their tendons, usually the supraspinatus muscle. The
muscles moving the arm are involved in flexion, extension, abduction,
adduction, rotation, and circumduction
Shoulder Pain and Torn Rotator Cuf
These pain and tear cam result in pain in the
anterosuperior part of the shoulder. Older people
may also develop such pain because of
degenerative tendinitis of the rotator cuff.

Pain in the shoulder can also result from

subacromial bursitis, which is inflammation of
the subacromial bursa. Biceps tendinitis,
inflammation of the biceps brachii long head
tendon,
Forearm Movements
Extension and Flexion of the Elbow
The muscles of elbow extension are the triceps brachii (brā′kē-ī) and the anconeus (ang-
kō′nē-ŭs) muscles. The prime mover of elbow flexion is the brachialis (brā′kē-al′is) muscle.
The biceps brachii and the brachioradialis (brā′kē-ō-rā′dē-al′is) muscles assist the brachialis
in elbow flexion . The triceps brachii constitutes the main mass visible on the posterior
aspect of the arm. The biceps brachii is readily visible on the anterior aspect of the arm. The
brachialis lies deep to the biceps brachii and can be seen only as a mass on the medial and
lateral sides of the arm. The brachioradialis forms a bulge on the anterolateral side of the
forearm just distal to the elbow. If the elbow is forcefully flexed in the midprone position
(midway between pronation and supination), the brachioradialis stands out clearly on the
forearm.
Forearm Movements
Supination and Pronation
The muscles that supinate (turn palm up) the
forearm and hand are (1) the supinator and (2)
the biceps brachii . The muscles that pronate
(turn palm down) the forearm and hand are (1)
the pronator quadratus (kwah-drā′tŭs) and (2)
the pronator teres (ter′ēz, tēr′ēz).
Tennis Elbow
the forceful, repetitive use of the forearm extensor muscles can damage them where they
attach to the lateral epicondyle.
Wrist, Hand, and Finger Movements
The forearm muscles are divided into anterior and posterior groups. Flexion of the wrist and
fingers, such as when making a fist, is accomplished by most of the anterior forearm
muscles. Extension of the wrist and fingers, such as when opening a fist, is accomplished by
most of the posterior forearm muscles.

Extrinsic Hand Muscles

The extrinsic hand muscles are located in the posterior forearm and have tendons that
extend into the hand. These muscles extend the wrist and fingers. A strong ring of
fibrous connective tissue, the extensor retinaculum (ret-i-nak′ū-lŭm; bracelet),
encircles the flexor and extensor tendons to hold them in place around the wrist, so
that they do not “bowstring” (pull away from the bone) during muscle contraction.
Wrist, Hand, and Finger Movements
Extrinsic Hand Muscles
Flexion of the wrist is accomplished by two major anterior forearm muscles, (1) the
flexor carpi radialis (kar′pī rā-dē-ā′lis) and (2) the flexor carpi ulnaris (ŭl-nā′ris).
Extension of the wrist is through the action of three posterior forearm muscles, (1) the
extensor carpi radialis longus, (2) the extensor carpi radialis brevis, and (3) the
extensor carpi ulnaris. The tendon of the flexor carpi radialis serves as a landmark for
locating the radial pulse, which is lateral to the tendon. The wrist flexors and extensors
are visible on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the forearm.
Wrist, Hand, and Finger Movements
Extrinsic Hand Muscles
Flexion of the four medial digits is a function of (1) the flexor digitorum (dij′i-tor′ŭm)
superficialis and (2) the flexor digitorum profundus (prō-fŭn′dŭs; deep). Extension is
accomplished by the extensor digitorum. The tendons of this muscle are very visible on the
dorsum of the hand. The little finger has an additional extensor, the extensor digiti minimi (dij′i-
tī min′i-mī). The index finger also has an additional extensor, the extensor indicis (in′di-sis).

Movement of the thumb is caused in part by three muscles: (1) the abductor pollicis (pol′i-sis)
longus, (2) the extensor pollicis longus, and (3) the extensor pollicis brevis. These tendons form
the sides of a depression on the posterolateral side of the wrist called the “anatomical
snuffbox”. When snuff was in use, a small pinch could be placed into the anatomical snuffbox
and inhaled through the nose.
Wrist, Hand, and Finger Movements
Intrinsic Hand Muscles
The intrinsic hand muscles are entirely within the hand. These muscles move the fingers
Abduction of the fingers is accomplished by the dorsal interossei (in′ter-os′e-ī) and the abductor
digiti minimi, whereas adduction is a function of the palmar interossei.

Movement of the thumb and little finger is accomplished by two groups of muscles called the
thenar (thē′nar) eminence and the hypothenar eminence. The thenar eminence is a fleshy
prominence at the base of the thumb formed by three muscles, which include (1) flexor pollicis
brevis, (2) the abductor pollicis brevis, and (3) the opponens pollicis . The hypothenar
eminence on the ulnar side of the hand is formed by (1) the abductor digiti minimi, (2) the flexor
digiti minimi brevis, and (3) the opponens digiti minimi.
10.5 LOWER LIMB MUSCLES
Hip and Thigh Movements
These muscles are divided into three groups:

anterior hip muscles

posterolateral hip muscles
deep hip muscles
Hip and Thigh Movements
Anterior Hip Muscles
the iliacus (il-ī′ă-kŭs) and the psoas (sō′as)
major, flex the hip. Because these muscles
share an insertion and produce the same
movement, they are often referred to
collectively as the iliopsoas (il′ē-ō-sō′as).
When the thigh is fixed, the iliopsoas flexes
the trunk on the thigh.
Hip and Thigh Movements
Posterolateral Hip Muscles
consist of the gluteal muscles and the tensor fasciae latae. The gluteus (gloo-tē′ŭs)
maximus contributes most of the mass that can be seen as the buttocks ; the gluteus
medius, a common site for injections, creates a smaller mass just superior and
lateral to the gluteus maximus. The gluteus maximus functions at its maximum force
in extension of the thigh when the hip is flexed at a 45-degree angle, so that the
muscle is optimally stretched, which accounts for both the sprinter’s stance and the
bicycle racing posture.
Hip and Thigh Movements
Deep Hip Muscles
The deep hip muscles, as well as the gluteus maximus, laterally rotate the thigh. The
gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae medially rotate the hip.
The gluteus medius and minimus muscles help tilt the pelvis and maintain the trunk
in an upright posture during walking, as the foot of the opposite limb is raised from
the ground. Without the action of these muscles, the pelvis tends to sag downward
on the unsupported side.
Hip and Thigh Movements
Anterior Thigh Muscles
the quadriceps femoris (fem′ŏ-ris) and the sartorius (sar-tōr′ē-ŭs). The quadriceps
femoris is actually four muscles: (1) the rectus femoris, (2) the vastus lateralis, (3)
the vastus medialis, and (4) the vastus intermedius. The quadriceps group extends
the knee. The rectus femoris also flexes the hip because it crosses both the hip
and knee joints.
Hip and Thigh Movements
Anterior Thigh Muscles

Quadriceps femoris - makes up the large mass on the anterior thigh.

Sartorius - the longest muscle of the body, crossing from the lateral side of the
hip to the medial side of the knee. As the muscle contracts, it flexes the hip and
knee and laterally rotates the thigh. This is the action required for crossing the
legs
Hip and Thigh Movements
Medial Thigh Muscles
involved primarily in adduction of the thigh.
Some of these muscles also laterally rotate
the thigh and/or flex or extend the hip. The
gracilis also flexes the knee.
Hip and Thigh Movements
Posterior Thigh Muscles
collectively called the hamstring muscles, consist of the biceps femoris, the
semimembranosus (sem′ē-mem-bră-nō′sŭs), and the semitendinosus (sem′ē-
ten-di-nō′sŭs). Their tendons are easily seen or felt on the medial and lateral
posterior aspect of a slightly bent knee.
LEG MOVEMENT
In addition to the hip muscles, some of muscles located in the thigh
originate on the hip bone and can cause movement of the thigh.
Three groups of thigh muscles have been identified based on their
location in the thigh and are organized into COMPARTMENTS: (1)
The muscles of the anterior compartments flex the hip and/or
extend the knee; (2) the muscles of the anterior compartment
adduct the thigh; and (3) the muscles of the posterior compartment
extend the hip and flex the knee.
LEG MOVEMENT
The anterior thigh muscles are the QUADRICEPS FEMORIS and the SATORIUS. The
quadriceps femoris is actually four muscles: (1) the RECTUS FEMORIS, (2) the VASTUS
LATERALIS, (3) the VASTUS MEDIALIS, AND (4) the VASTUS INTERMEDIUS. The
quadriceps group extends the knee. The rectus femoris also flexes the hip because it
crosses both the hip and the knee joints.
The quadriceps femoris makes up the large mass on the anterior thigh (see figure 10.28c).
The vastus lateralis is sometimes used as an injection site, especially in infants who do not
have well-developed deltoid or gluteal muscles. The muscles of the quadriceps femoris have
a common insertion, the patellar tendon, on and around the patella. The patellar ligament is
an extension of the patellar tendon onto the tibial tuberosity. The patellar ligament is the
point that is tapped with a rubber hammer when testing the knee-jerk reflex in a physical
examination.
LEG MOVEMENT
The sartorius is the longest muscle of the body, crossing from the lateral side of the
hip to the medial side of the knee. As the muscle contracts, it flexes the hip and
knee and laterally rotates the thigh. This is the action required for crossing the legs
The mmedial thigh muscles are involved primarily in adduction of the thigh. Some
these muscles also laterally rotate the high and/or flex or extend the hip. the gracilis
also flexes the knee.
The posterior thigh muscles, collectively called hamstring muscles, consists of the
BICEPS FEMORIS, the SEMIMEMBRANOSUS, and the SEMITENDINOSUS.
Their tendons are easily seen or felt on the medial and lateral posterior aspect of a
slightly bent knee.
Figure 10.28
Figure 10.30 Figure 10.31
Ankle, Foot, and Toe Movements
These extrinsic foot
muscles are divided into
three groups, each
located within a separate
compartment of the leg:
anterior, posterior, and
lateral.
The anterior leg
muscles are extensor
muscles. They cause
dorsiflexion, eversion,
and inversion of the
foot as well as
extension of the toes.
The lateral leg muscles primarily evert
the foot, but they also help plantar flex
the foot. The fibularis brevis inserts
onto the fifth metatarsal bone and
everts and plantar flexes the foot. The
fibularis longus crosses under the
lateral four metatarsal bones to insert
onto the first metatarsal bone and
medial cuneiform. The tendons of the
fibularis muscles can be seen on the
lateral side of the ankle.
The superficial muscles of the posterior compartment of
the leg, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, form the
bulge of the calf. They merge with the small plantaris
muscle to form the common calcaneal tendon, or
Achilles tendon. These muscles plantar flex the foot. The
deep muscles of the posterior compartment plantar flex
and invert the foot and flex the toes.
Intrinsic foot muscles, located within the foot itself, flex, extend,
abduct, and adduct the toes. They are arranged in a manner
similar to that of the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
Thank You for
Listening!
BSN 1A - Group 8