Understanding Different Muscle Attachments In The Body

By Janelle Burnett


Muscle attachments can either be direct or indirect. The attachment occurs through connective tissues found at the joints. Understanding the difference between the direct and indirect connection requires attention to the defining features. Some of the cases are clear while others require closer attention.

The unique feature about an indirect attachment is that the muscle appears to terminate before reaching the bone. The space between the two is filled with tendons. The tendons are made of theicks, sheets and fibrous bands. The sheets form the aponeurosis to boost and link the bones and muscles allowing them to work in harmony.

A direct attachment is characterized by an apparent connection between the bone and muscles. The bone seems to be the origin of all the muscles around without a tendon space in between. There are fibers in between, but they can only be seen using a microscope. These fibers are collagen in nature.

Muscles makes bones move in relation to others. The origin is always stationary while the insertion moves. There is a thick region that is located between the origin and insertion. This is referred to as the belly of that particular muscle. There are different types of muscles depending on their behavior and features in relation to their location in the body.

The intrinsic muscles stand out among the others because its origin and insertion are located within the belly of a muscle. They play a specific role on the part of the body where they are found. Action is a word used to describe the effect muscles have on movement in the body. Each group is connected to another leading to coordinated activity within the body.

Muscles are best understood when one pays close attention to their different categories. They are classified as agonist, antagonist, synergist and faxators. Each operates in a different way that distinguishes one category from the other.

Agonists are regarded as prime movers among other muscles. They produce the largest amount of force whenever movement takes place. This category requires the assistance of synergist. One movement may require more than one synergist. They are responsible for coordination, restriction of movement as well as direction of agonist force.

Antagonists work in opposition to the force and movement agonists produce. Their purpose is to offer range and speed to actions of various parts of the body. This combination in opposing direction is referred to as antagonistic pair. It is what simplifies speed, direction and coordination in the body.

The last category is referred to as fixators because they are specific for bones movement. They ensures that bone movement is restricted to prevent straining or dislocations. These restrictions prevent use of excessive force that would damage other tissues of the body. The relationship between these muscles is mutual ensuring that the body achieves coordinated movement.

There are different forms of muscle attachments depending on the level of movement at a particular part of the body. Classification allows a learner to identify and appreciate each attachment. More than one type of attachment may be manifest in a particular area.




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