Question

What does the muscle name indicate about each muscle listed? Use the root terms at the back of the text if needed.

a) Latissimus dorsi
b) Sternocleidomastoid
c) serratus anterior
d) aductor magnus

Answer 1

Muscle names provide information about their location, shape, size, the number of origins, or action. For example, 'latissimus dorsi' refers to the muscle's broad structure on the back, while 'sternocleidomastoid' indicates attachment points on the sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The muscle names such as latissimus dorsi, sternocleidomastoid, serratus anterior, and adductor magnus give clues about their anatomical location, size, shape, number of origins, or their action according to anatomical naming conventions. For example:

• Latissimus dorsi - Derived from Latin, 'latissimus' means 'broadest' indicating its wide structure, and 'dorsi' relates to the back where the muscle is located.
• Sternocleidomastoid - Indicates the points of attachment. 'Sterno' refers to the sternum, 'cleido' to the clavicle, and 'mastoid' to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
• Serratus anterior - 'Serratus' reflects the serrated or saw-toothed appearance of the muscle's edges, and 'anterior' implies its location towards the front of the body.
• Adductor magnus - 'Adductor' refers to the muscle's action of drawing a limb toward the body's midline, and 'magnus' indicates its large size.