Anatomy

The Structure of the Human Body

Anatomy: Understanding the Building Blocks of Human Movement

Anatomy forms the foundation of all physical activity and exercise, providing insight into how the human body moves, functions, and adapts. This section serves as a reference for essential anatomical terms and concepts, focusing on the muscles, bones, tendons, and systems that contribute to movement and stability. From the powerful abdominals that drive core motion to the Achilles tendon that anchors the calf to the heel, each component plays a critical role in performance and injury prevention. Explore definitions of key actions like abduction and adduction, understand the significance of ATP in energy production, and discover the purpose of accessory exercises in supporting strength and recovery.

AbdominalsThe large muscles of the anterior abdominal wall; part of the core group of muscles that move the trunk in flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation. The "abs" include the rectus abdominis, internal obliques, and external obliques.Achilles TendonThe fibrous cord that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel bone.Adipose TissueConnective tissue composed of fat cells.AnatomyThe science of the shape and structure of organisms.AnteriorThe front of the body (e. G., tibialis anterior is the muscle at the front of the lower leg).Calf MusclesMuscles of the back of the lower leg (i. E., the gastrocnemius and soleus).DeltoidsLarge triangular muscles that cover the shoulder joints.Fast Twitch Muscle FibersA type of muscle cell that uses anaerobic metabolism to create fuel; used in strength and speed activities.GastrocnemiusOne of two calf muscles; causes plantar flexion when the knee is straight.Gluteal MusclesThe three muscles that make up the buttocks; the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.HamstringsThe muscles of the back of the thigh used in knee flexion; they include the biceps femoris (two heads, one on either side of the knee), semitendinosis, and semimembranosis.KyphosisAn exaggerated thoracic (upper back) curvature.Lateral FlexionSide bending at the trunk.LigamentA dense band of connective tissue fibers that connect one bone to another.LordosisAn exaggeration of the lumbar curvature.LumbarPertaining to the lower back.MuscleA contractile organ composed of muscle tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues; skeletal muscle is associated with weight training.Muscle FibersMuscle cells. Two primary types are slow twitch (Type I) and fast twitch (Type II).Neutralizer MuscleA muscle that cancels out the action of another muscle to permit an action to occur.Pectoral MusclesChest muscles; includes the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor.PelvisThe bony complex comprised of the coxae, sacrum, and coccyx at the hips.PronationMovement of the radio-ulnar joint (forearm); the hands are in pronation during push ups.QuadricepsFour muscles at the front of the upper thigh; include the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.Rotator CuffTerm for the group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint; include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.SoleusOne of the two calf muscles that is strengthened and stretched when the knee is in flexion.TrapeziusA large muscles that spans the back, neck, and shoulders. The upper "traps" are strengthened by shoulder shrugs.TricepsTriceps brachii muscle at the back of the upper arm; strengthened by tricep extensions and the narrow-grip bench press.

Last Updated: 13 Aug 24