Muscular Lab

We will dive into the remarkable complexity and functionality of the muscles that enable our bodies to move and perform various actions. Our focus will be on understanding the different muscles of the human body, their roles, and the fascinating mechanisms that underlie their function.

Throughout this laboratory session, you will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of skeletal muscles, gaining a deeper understanding of their structure and how they contribute to our everyday movements. We will begin by studying muscle identification, where you will learn to identify and draw different muscles of the body. By examining their location, shape, and attachment points, you will appreciate the diversity and sophistication of our musculature.

Moving on, we will delve into the function of skeletal muscles. You will have the chance to describe the specific functions of different muscles, understanding how they work together to create coordinated movements. From the powerful quadriceps that extend the leg to the delicate muscles of the hand that allow for intricate movements, you will unravel the complexity behind muscle function and appreciate the precise control we possess over our bodies.

To further enhance your understanding, we will then transition to a practical application of electromyography (EMG). With the help of EMG equipment, you will perform a measurement of the reflex time of the patellar reflex. This hands-on experience will allow you to observe and measure the electrical signals generated by the muscles involved in this reflex, gaining insight into the speed at which our muscles respond to stimuli.

Objective

·         Identify and draw various skeletal muscles of the human body, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of their location, shape, and attachment points.

·         Describe the specific functions of different skeletal muscles, including their roles in producing movements, maintaining posture, and enabling fine motor skills.

·         Explain the structural characteristics of skeletal muscles that contribute to their functional abilities, such as muscle fiber arrangement, tendon connections, and neuromuscular junctions.

·         Perform an electromyography (EMG) measurement to determine the reflex time of the patellar reflex, gaining practical experience in using EMG equipment to analyze electrical signals generated by muscles.

·         Analyze and interpret the EMG data obtained from the patellar reflex measurement, evaluating the speed at which muscles respond to stimuli and understanding the underlying physiological mechanisms involved.

·         Discuss the significance of reflexes in our everyday lives, emphasizing their role in maintaining balance, protecting against injury, and aiding in coordinated movements.

·         Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between different skeletal muscles in producing coordinated movements, highlighting the concept of agonist and antagonist muscle pairs.

Materials

·         Muscle models of the body

o    Leg and Arm

o    Torso

o    Head and neck

·         EMG

·         Electrodes

·         Reflex Hammer with accelerometer

Muscle function and Identification

For the regions and muscles listed draw each muscle requested then describe its function.

Muscles of the Head

Orbicularis oculi  

Orbicularis oris

Buccinator        

Masseter

Temporalis       

Frontalis

Occipitalis         

Mentalis

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Neck

Stylohyoid        

Mylohyoid        

Sternohyoid     

Thyrohyoid       

Sternocleidomastoid      

Platysma

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Anterior Trunk

Pectoralis Major

Serratus Anterior

External intercostals

Internal intercostals

Rectus abdominis

External abdominal oblique

Internal abdominal oblique

Transverse abdominis

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Posterior Trunk

Latissimus dorsi  

Trapezius          

Teres major      

Rhomboids       

Erector spinae 

Psoas major

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Brachium

Deltoid  

Triceps brachii 

Biceps brachii  

Brachialis          

Brachioradialis

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Antebrachium

Pronator teres

Flexor carpi radialis

Palmaris longus

Flexor carpi ulnaris

Extensor carpi radialis longus

Extensor digitorum

Extensor carpi ulnaris

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Thigh

Sartorius

Gracilis

Rectus femoris

Vastus medialis

Vastus intermedius

Vastus lateralis

Biceps femoris

Semitendinosus

Semimembranosus

Gluteus maximus

Gluteus medius

Gluteus minimus

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Muscles of the Leg

Gastrocnemius

Soleus

Fibularis longus

Tibialis anterior

Draw each of the above muscles on the diagram below.  Label each muscle drawn.

Review Questions

1.       What is the function of the muscular system?
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2.       How do muscles contract?
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3.       How does the muscular system work with the skeletal system to produce movement?
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4.       What is the difference between smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle tissue?
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5.       How can regular exercise benefit the muscular system?
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6.       What are some potential negative effects of using anabolic steroids to enhance muscle growth?
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7.       What is the difference between a muscle fiber and a muscle fascicle?
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8.       How do motor neurons control muscle movement?
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9.       How can injuries to the muscular system be treated and rehabilitated?
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10.    What is the relationship between muscle size and strength?
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