Muscles of the Upper Body Flashcards

Study Notes

Muscles of the Upper Body

Sternocleidomastoid
- Broad, superficial neck muscle
- Originates from the sternum and clavicle
- Inserts at the mastoid process of the temporal bone
- Functions to flex and rotate the head
Splenius
- Posterior neck muscle connecting skull to spine
- Originates from the last four cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae
- Inserts at temporal and occipital bones, as well as upper cervical vertebrae
- Rotates head and neck
Rectus Abdominis
- Located along each side of the linea alba
- Originates from the pubic crest and symphysis pubis
- Inserts at the xiphoid process and inferior ribs
- Functions in flexion, expiration, defecation, and childbirth
External Oblique and Transversus Abdominis
- External abdominal oblique muscle
- Originates from the lower eight ribs
- Inserts at the iliac crest, linea alba, and pubis
- Functions to flex and rotate the vertebral column, compress abdomen during forceful expiration
Quadratus Lumborum
- Quadrilateral muscle in the lumbar region
- Originates from the iliac crest and lower lumbar vertebrae
- Inserts at the 12th rib and upper lumbar vertebrae
- Extends and laterally bends the vertebral column, stabilizes the 12th rib for breathing
Pectoralis Major
- Thick muscle covering the chest
- Comprised of clavicular and sternocostal heads
- Originates from the clavicle, sternum, costal cartilage of the first six ribs, and abdominal portion
- Inserts on the lateral lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus
- Functions in internal rotation, adduction, and flexion of the arm
Latissimus Dorsi
- Large muscle in the back area, often referred to as "lats"
- Originates from lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae, iliac crest, and sacrum
- Inserts on the humerus at the intertubercular groove beneath pectoralis major
- Functions as an adductor, extensor, and internal rotator of the arm
Supraspinatus
- Muscle located above the spine of the scapula
- Originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula
- Joins with infraspinatus and teres minor to insert on the greater tubercle of the humerus
- Abducts the shoulder and stabilizes the shoulder joint
Infraspinatus
- Muscle located below the spine of the scapula
- Originates from the infraspinous fossa of the scapula
- Joins with supraspinatus and teres minor to insert on the greater tubercle of the humerus
- Laterally rotates the shoulder and contributes to shoulder stabilizing
Teres Minor
- Small muscle of the shoulder
- Originates from the lateral border of the scapula
- Joins with supraspinatus and infraspinatus to insert on the greater tubercle of the humerus
- Laterally rotates the shoulder and stabilizes the shoulder joint
Subscapularis
- Large triangular muscle on the anterior scapula
- The only SITS muscle inserting on the lesser tubercle of the humerus
- Functions to medially rotate and stabilize the shoulder
Trapezius
- Large upper back muscle with a trapezoidal shape
- Originates from the base of the occipital bone and all cervical and thoracic vertebrae
- Inserts at the spine of the scapula, acromion, and clavicle
- Functions to move, rotate, and stabilize the shoulder blades

Description

This quiz consists of flashcards focused on the muscles of the upper body, including detailed definitions, origins, insertions, and functions. Perfect for students studying anatomy or anyone interested in understanding the muscles of the neck and upper body. Test your knowledge and reinforce your learning with these key concepts.