For the Teacher
This brief lesson corresponds to the Muscular System chapter of the Medical
Terminology textbook. Since there are over 600 muscles in the human body, I
selected six anterior muscles and six posterior muscles for further discussion.
There are three simple activities that allow students to recognize how several
muscles move on their own bodies.
There is an eight-second video clip on how to pronounce the gastrocnemius
muscle.
For the Teacher
There is a student notetaking worksheet as well as a label the bones worksheet
(answer keys are included).
This can be used as a teacher-led lesson or as an independent work packet
(either printed or as a Google assignment).
If you would like the PowerPoint slides, email me at stroudtpt@[Link].
MUSCLES
Human Muscles
There are over 600 muscles in
the human body.
Today, we will learn the names
and functions of twelve major
muscles.
Deltoid
Your deltoid muscles cover the top
of your shoulders. They help you lift
your arms to the front, side and
back. Deltoid muscle pain can affect
swimmers, pitchers or anyone who
performs repetitive overhead arm
movements.
Deltoid muscles help you with arm
abduction, flexion and extension.
[del-toyd]
Let’s locate our
deltoid muscle
Place your right hand on your left
shoulder. Perform these movements
with your left arm:
o raise your left arm out to the side
of your body (abduction)
o move your left arm forward,
toward an overhead position
o move your left arm backward,
behind your body
Biceps brachii
The bicep is one of four muscles
that make up the upper arm.
The primary function of the biceps
are the flexion and supination
(outward rotation) of the forearm.
This is facilitated, in part, by the
90-degree rotation of the muscle as
it connects to the radius.
[bai-seps brak-ee-ahy]
2
Let’s locate the
bicep muscle
Place your right hand on your left
upper arm. Perform these
movements with your left arm:
o raise your lower arm up towards
your chin (flexion)
o hold your arm straight out; turn
the palm of your hand down
(supination)
Pectoralis Major
The pectoralis major is the superior
most and largest muscle of the
anterior chest wall. It is a thick, fan-
shaped muscle that lies underneath
the breast tissue and forms the
anterior wall of the axilla.
[pek-tr-a-luhs may-jr]
3
Pectoralis Major
The main function of this chest
muscle as a whole is the adduction
and internal rotation of the arm in
the shoulder joint.
Rectus Abdominis
The rectus abdominis (informally
known as abs), is a long muscle of
the anterior abdominal wall. In
those with low body fat, it is clearly
visible beneath the skin and
commonly called the “six pack.” It
extends from the rib cage all the
way to the pubic bone.
[rek-tuhs ab-daa-muh-nuhs]
4
Rectus Abdominis
The rectus abdominis flexes the
trunk anteriorly.
Moreover, working together with
other abdominal muscles, this
muscle compresses the abdominal
viscera and increases the intra-
abdominal pressure, which has an
important function in processes
such as forced breathing, labor,
defecation and urination.
Rectus Femoris
The rectus femoris muscle is one of
a group of four muscles that make
up the quadriceps. It has two heads,
originating at your hip bone and
pelvis. It stretches down to your
patella. It’s the only quad muscle
that spans the hip joint and knee
joint.
[rek-tuhs feh-mr-uhs]
5
Rectus Femoris
The rectus femoris muscle is
responsible for extending the leg
and helping with movements such
as walking and jumping.
Tibialis Anterior
The tibialis anterior muscle
emerges from the upper lateral
surface of the tibia, or shinbone.
The muscle inserts into the base of
the first metatarsal bone in the foot,
located just behind the big toe.
[ti-bee-ay-luhs an-tee-ree-ur]
6
Tibialis Anterior
The tibialis anterior dorsiflexes the
foot and inverts it.
It plays an important role in the
activities of walking, hiking and
kicking the ball by stabilizing the
ankle joint as the foot hits the floor
and pulls it clear of the ground as
the leg continues moving.
Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid muscles
are located in the neck.
They play an important role in
tilting your head and turning your
neck.
It is given the name because it
originates at the manubrium of the
sternum (sterno-) and the clavicle
(cleido-) and has an insertion at the
mastoid process of the temporal
bone of the skull.
[stur-nuh-klai-duh-maa-stoyd]
7
Let’s locate our
sternocleidomastoid
muscle
Place your right hand on the left side
of your neck. Perform these
movements:
o tilt your head to the left
o tilt your head to the right
o rotate your head to the right
o rotate your head to the left
Trapezius
The trapezius muscle is a large
superficial back muscle that
resembles a trapezoid. It extends
from the occipital bone to the lower
thoracic vertebrae and laterally to
the spine of the scapula.
[truh-pee-zee-uhs]
8
Trapezius
The trapezius assists in postural
attributes, allowing and supporting
the spinal column to remain erect
when the person is standing.
Triceps brachii
The triceps brachii is a large,
thick muscle on the dorsal part of
the upper arm. It often appears as
the shape of a horseshoe on the
posterior aspect of the arm.
[trai-seps brak-ee-ahy]
9
Triceps brachii
The main function of the triceps
muscle is the extension of the elbow
joint.
Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi (also known as
lats), is a large, flat muscle that
covers the middle and lower back,
extending to the sides and behind
the arm. The name comes from the
Latin words latissimus, meaning
broadest and dorsum, meaning
back.
[luh-ti-suh-muhs dor-see]
10
Latissimus dorsi
This muscle's primary function is to
move the upper extremity, but it is
also considered an accessory muscle
of respiration.
Gluteus Maximus
The gluteus maximus is the largest
and most powerful muscle in the
human body, making up the bulk of
the hip and buttock area. It's a thick,
fleshy, quadrangular muscle that
slopes across the buttock at about 45
degrees.
[gloo-tee-uhs mak-suh-muhs]
11
Gluteus Maximus
The main functions of the gluteus
maximus muscle are the extension
and external rotation of the thigh at
the hip joint. Additionally, its
superior part can produce thigh
abduction, while the inferior part
causes the thigh adduction.
Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius is a large muscle
located in the posterior leg. It is the
most superficial of the leg muscles
and forms the bulk of the calf.
[how to pronounce gastrocneumius]
12
Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius muscle is a
powerful plantar flexor of the foot
and flexes the leg at the knee.
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Muscles/Student Note-Taking Worksheet
Deltoid: Your deltoid muscles cover the top of your ______________________________.
They help you lift your arms to the front, side and back. Deltoid muscle pain can
affect swimmers, pitchers or anyone who performs repetitive overhead arm
movements. Deltoid muscles help you with arm abduction, _______________________
and _____________________________________.
Bicep brachii: The bicep is one of four muscles that make up the _________________
__________. The primary function of the biceps are the __________________________
and __________________________________ (outward rotation) of the forearm. This is
facilitated, in part, by the 90-degree rotation of the muscle as it connects to the
radius.
Pectoralis Major: The pectoralis major is the superior most and largest muscle of
the anterior ________________ wall. It is a thick, ________-________________________
muscle that lies underneath the breast tissue and forms the anterior wall of the axilla.
The main function of this chest muscle as a whole is the adduction and internal
rotation of the arm in the shoulder joint.
Rectus Abdominis: The rectus abdominis (informally known as _______), is a long
muscle of the anterior __________________________________ wall. In those with low
body fat, it is clearly visible beneath the skin and commonly called the “six pack.” It
extends from the rib cage all the way to the pubic bone. The rectus abdominis flexes
the trunk anteriorly. Moreover, working together with other abdominal muscles, this
muscle compresses the abdominal viscera and increases the intra-abdominal
pressure, which has an important function in processes such as
forced _________________________________, _____________, defecation and urination.
Rectus Femoris: The rectus femoris muscle is one of a group of four muscles that
make up the ____________________________________________. It has two heads,
originating at your hip bone and pelvis. It stretches down to your patella. It’s the
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ________________________________________________________________________
only quad muscle that spans the hip joint and knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle
is responsible for extending the leg and helping with movements such as
______________________________ and _________________________________.
Tibialis Anterior: The tibialis anterior muscle emerges from the upper lateral
surface of the tibia, or ______________________________. The muscle inserts into the
base of the first metatarsal bone in the foot, located just behind the big toe. The
tibialis anterior ____________________________________________ the ____________
and inverts it. It plays an important role in the activities of walking, hiking and
kicking the ball by stabilizing the ankle joint as the foot hits the floor and pulls it
clear of the ground as the leg continues moving.
Sternocleidomastoid: The sternocleidomastoid muscles are located in the
___________. They play an important role in __________________________ your
__________and _____________________________your ___________. It is given the
name because it originates at the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-) and the
clavicle (cleido-) and has an insertion at the mastoid process of the temporal bone of
the skull.
Trapezius: The trapezius muscle is a large superficial __________ muscle that
resembles a trapezoid. It extends from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic
vertebrae and laterally to the spine of the scapula. The trapezius assists in postural
attributes, allowing and supporting the spinal column to _________________
_______________ when the person is standing.
Triceps brachii: The triceps brachii is a large, thick muscle on the ________________
part of the __________________ __________. It often appears as the shape of a
horseshoe on the posterior aspect of the arm. The main function of the triceps muscle
is the extension of the elbow joint.
Latissimus Dorsi: The latissimus dorsi (also known as _________), is a large, flat
muscle that covers the middle and __________________ ____________ extending to
the sides and behind the arm. The name comes from the Latin words latissimus,
meaning broadest and dorsum, meaning back. This muscle's primary function is to
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ________________________________________________________________________
____________ the ____________________ _______________________________________,
but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration.
Gluteus Maximus: The gluteus maximus is the ____________________________ and
most ___________________________________ muscle in the human body, making up
the bulk of the hip and _________________________ area. It's a thick, fleshy,
quadrangular muscle that slopes across the buttock at about 45 degrees. The
main functions of the gluteus maximus muscle are the extension and external
rotation of the thigh at the _________ ________________. Additionally, its superior part
can produce thigh abduction, while the inferior part causes the thigh adduction.
Gastrocnemius: The gastrocnemius is a large muscle located in the
_______________________________ _________. It is the most superficial of the leg
muscles and forms the bulk of the _____________. The gastrocnemius muscle is a
powerful ___________________________ _________________________ of the foot and
flexes the leg at the knee.
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Muscles ANSWER KEY
Deltoid: Your deltoid muscles cover the top of your SHOULDERS. They help you lift
your arms to the front, side and back. Deltoid muscle pain can affect swimmers,
pitchers or anyone who performs repetitive overhead arm movements. Deltoid
muscles help you with arm abduction, FLEXION and EXTENSION
.
Bicep brachii: The bicep is one of four muscles that make up the UPPER ARM. The
primary function of the biceps are the FLEXION and SUPINATION (outward rotation)
of the forearm. This is facilitated, in part, by the 90-degree rotation of the muscle as it
connects to the radius.
Pectoralis Major: The pectoralis major is the superior most and largest muscle of
the anterior CHEST wall. It is a thick, FAN-SHAPED muscle that lies underneath the
breast tissue and forms the anterior wall of the axilla. The main function of this chest
muscle as a whole is the adduction and internal rotation of the arm in the shoulder
joint.
Rectus Abdominis: The rectus abdominis (informally known as ABS), is a long
muscle of the anterior ABDOMINAL wall. In those with low body fat, it is clearly
visible beneath the skin and commonly called the “six pack.” It extends from the rib
cage all the way to the pubic bone. The rectus abdominis flexes the trunk anteriorly.
Moreover, working together with other abdominal muscles, this muscle compresses
the abdominal viscera and increases the intra-abdominal pressure, which has an
important function in processes such as forced BREATHING, LABOR, defecation and
urination.
Rectus Femoris: The rectus femoris muscle is one of a group of four muscles that
make up the QUADRICEPS. It has two heads, originating at your hip bone and pelvis.
It stretches down to your patella. It’s the only quad muscle that spans the hip joint
and knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle is responsible for extending the leg and
helping with movements such as WALKING and JUMPING.
Tibialis Anterior: The tibialis anterior muscle emerges from the upper lateral
surface of the tibia, or SHINBONE. The muscle inserts into the base of the first
metatarsal bone in the foot, located just behind the big toe. The tibialis
anterior DORSIFLEXES the FOOT and inverts it. It plays an important role in the
activities of walking, hiking and kicking the ball by stabilizing the ankle joint as the
foot hits the floor and pulls it clear of the ground as the leg continues moving.
Sternocleidomastoid: The sternocleidomastoid muscles are located in the NECK.
They play an important role in TILTING your HEAD and TURNING your NECK. It is
given the name because it originates at the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-) and
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ________________________________________________________________________
the clavicle (cleido-) and has an insertion at the mastoid process of the temporal
bone of the skull.
Trapezius: The trapezius muscle is a large superficial BACK muscle that resembles
a trapezoid. It extends from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae and
laterally to the spine of the scapula. The trapezius assists in postural attributes,
allowing and supporting the spinal column to REMAIN ERECT when the person is
standing.
Triceps brachii: The triceps brachii is a large, thick muscle on the DORSAL part of
the UPPER ARM. It often appears as the shape of a horseshoe on the posterior aspect
of the arm. The main function of the triceps muscle is the extension of the elbow
joint.
Latissimus Dorsi: The latissimus dorsi (also known as LATS), is a large, flat muscle
that covers the middle and LOWER BACK extending to the sides and behind the
arm. The name comes from the Latin words latissimus, meaning broadest and
dorsum, meaning back. This muscle's primary function is to MOVE the UPPER
EXTREMITY, but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration.
Gluteus Maximus: The gluteus maximus is the LARGEST and most POWERFUL
muscle in the human body, making up the bulk of the hip and BUTTOCK area. It's a
thick, fleshy, quadrangular muscle that slopes across the buttock at about 45
degrees. The main functions of the gluteus maximus muscle are the extension and
external rotation of the thigh at the HIP JOINT. Additionally, its superior part can
produce thigh abduction, while the inferior part causes the thigh adduction.
Gastrocnemius: The gastrocnemius is a large muscle located in the POSTERIOR
LEG. It is the most superficial of the leg muscles and forms the bulk of the CALF. The
gastrocnemius muscle is a powerful PLANTAR FLEXOR of the foot and flexes the leg
at the knee.
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Label the Muscles
Fill in the name of the corresponding muscle:
A A ______________________________________
B
C B ______________________________________
D C ______________________________________
D ______________________________________
E _______________________________________
E F _______________________________________
Word Bank:
biceps brachii
deltoid
pectoralis major
rectus abdominis
F rectus femoris
tibialis anterior
Anterior View
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Label the Muscles
Fill in the name of the corresponding muscle:
A A ______________________________________
B
B ______________________________________
C C ______________________________________
D
D ______________________________________
E E _______________________________________
F _______________________________________
Word Bank:
latissimus dorsi
triceps brachii
F gluteus maximus
gastrocnemius
trapezius
sternocleidomastoid
Posterior View
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Label the Muscles ANSWER KEY
Fill in the name of the corresponding muscle:
A A: DELTOID
B
C B: PECTORALIS MAJOR
D C: BICEPS BRACHII
D: RECTUS ABDOMINIS
E: RECTUS FEMORIS
E F: TIBIALIS ANTERIOR
Word Bank:
biceps brachii
deltoid
pectoralis major
rectus abdominis
F rectus femoris
tibialis anterior
Anterior View
TPT Health Science Toolbox
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Medical Terminology
The Muscular System: Label the Muscles
Fill in the name of the corresponding muscle:
A A: STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID
B
B: TRAPEZIUS
C C: TRICEPS BRACHII
D
D: LATISSIMUS DORSI
E E: GLUTEUS MAXIMUS
F: GASTROCNEMIUS
Word Bank:
latissimus dorsi
triceps brachii
F gluteus maximus
gastrocnemius
trapezius
sternocleidomastoid
Posterior View
TPT Health Science Toolbox