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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