Final answer:
Criteria for naming skeletal muscles include shape, size, location, number of origins, and action. For example, latissimus dorsi reflects its broad back location, and rectus abdominis describes its straight fibers in the abdomen. These criteria simplify identifying and understanding different muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anatomists use specific criteria for naming skeletal muscles based on their characteristics, including shape, size, location, number of origins, and action.
- Latissimus dorsi: Named for its wide (latissimus) position along the back (dorsi).
- Rectus abdominis: Described by its straight (rectus) fibers running up and down the abdomen (abdominis).
- Trapezius: Named because of its trapezoid shape covering the upper back and neck.
- Biceps brachii: Indicates it has two heads (biceps) in the arm (brachii).
- Levator scapulae: Named for its action of lifting (levator) the shoulder blade (scapulae).
- Flexor carpi radialis: Indicates its action of flexing the wrist (carpi) on the thumb side (radialis).
- Piriformis: Named for its pear-like (piriform) shape.
- Gluteus medius: Describes its position as the medium-sized muscle (medius) in the buttocks (gluteus).
- Rhomboid major: Named for its rhombus-like shape and being the larger of the rhomboids (major).
- Pectoralis major: Indicates it is the larger (major) muscle of the chest (pectoralis).
Understanding these criteria helps to describe the shapes, location, and actions of various muscles, making it easier to identify and learn about them.