Know Your Muscles

Did you know that there are over 640 muscles in the human body. Many of them are hidden away for example sphincter muscles that are at the opening and closing of organs such as the stomach and those that cause the peristaltic action of the digestive system. For body workers who are studying their the level 3 ITEC Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology Courses there are just 40 main muscles of the body that you need to know well. You are let off learning about the other 600! 

As a massage therapist for example, you will need to study the origins and insertions of each of the muscles below. These are the points of attachment to bone and help you work out what movement they create, ie their action. Our origins, insertions and actions course is a really helpful visual course on how to learn and remember your muscles. 

Muscles of the Trunk

• Rhomboids
• Levator Scapulae
• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Teres Major
• Teres Minor
• Erector Spinae
• Trapezius
• Latissimus dorsi
• Iliacus – shown at end of the DVD
• Psoas – shown at end of the DVD

Muscles of the Lower Limb

• Hamstrings
• Semitendinosus
• Semimembranosus
• Biceps Femoris
• Flexor Digitorum Longus
• Flexor Hallucis Longus
• Soleus
• Gastrocnemius
• Quadriceps
• Vastus Lateralis
• Vastus medialis
• Vastus Intermedius
• Vastus Rectus Femoris
• Sartorius
• Tibialis anterior
• Extensor Digitorum Longus
• Entensor Hallucis Longus
• Peroneous Longus (Fibularis)

Muscles of the Upper Limb

• Coracobrachialis
• Biceps Brachii
• Brachialis
• Triceps Brachii
• Deltoid
• Flexor Digitorum
• Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
• Flexor Carpi Radialis
• Extensor Digitorum
• Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
• Extensor Carpi Radialis
• Subscapularis
• Pectoralis Minor
• Pectoralis Major

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