Characteristics Used to Name Muscles
Flexor
Action: Decreases a joing angle
Sphincter
Action: Decreases size of opening
Extensor
Action: Increases a joint angle
Depressor
Action: Lowers or depresses a body part
Tensor
Action: Makes a body part rigid
Abductor
Action: Moves a bone away from the midline
Adductor
Action: Moves a bone closer to the midline
Levator
Action: Raises or elevates a body part
Rotator
Action: Rotates a bone around its longitudinal axis
Pronator
Action: Turns palm posteriorly
Supinator
Action: Turns palms anteriorly
Oblique
Direction: Diagonal to the midline
Rectus
Direction: Parallel to the midline
Transverse
Direction: Perpendicular to the midline
Biceps
Number of Origins: 2
Triceps
Number of Origins: 3
Quadriceps
Number of Origins: 4
Orbicularis
Shape: Circular
Pectinate
Shape: Comblike
Rhomboid
Shape: Diamond Shape
Platys
Shape: Flat
Piriformis
Shape: Pear-shaped
Serratus
Shape: Saw-toothed
Gracilis
Shape: Slender
Quadratus
Shape: Square, four sided
Trapezius
Shape: Trapezoid
Deltoid
Shape: Triangular
Vastus
Size: Huge
Magnus
Size: Large
Major
Size: Larger
Maximus
Size: Largest
Longus
Size: Long
Brevis
Size: Short
Minor
Size: Smaller
Minimus
Size: Smallest
Latissimus
Size: Widest
Longissimus
Size:Longest