The more movable end of a muscle is the
(a) Insertion
(b) Belly
(c) Origin
(d) Proximal end
(e) Distal end

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the terminology related to muscle attachments: the 'origin' is typically the fixed or less movable attachment point of a muscle, while the 'insertion' is the attachment point that moves when the muscle contracts.

Recall that the 'belly' of the muscle refers to the thick, central part of the muscle where the muscle fibers are concentrated, not an attachment point.

Recognize that 'proximal' and 'distal' are directional terms often used in limbs; 'proximal' means closer to the trunk, and 'distal' means farther from the trunk, but these terms do not specifically define the movable end of a muscle.

Identify that the more movable end of a muscle during contraction is called the 'insertion' because it moves toward the origin, which is more stable.

Therefore, the correct answer corresponds to the term that defines the more movable end of a muscle, which is the 'insertion'.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Muscle Origin

The origin of a muscle is the fixed attachment point, usually located on a bone that remains stationary during muscle contraction. It serves as the anchor from which the muscle exerts force.

Muscle Insertion

The insertion is the movable attachment point of a muscle, typically on a bone that moves when the muscle contracts. It is the end that pulls toward the origin during movement.

Muscle Anatomy Terms: Proximal and Distal Ends

Proximal and distal refer to positions relative to the body's center. The proximal end is closer to the trunk, often corresponding to the origin, while the distal end is farther away, often corresponding to the insertion.

Recommended video:

Guided course

02:06

Proximal and Distal

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Name the three pennate muscles in the following figure, and for each muscle indicate the type of pennate muscle based on the relationship of muscle fascicles to the tendon.

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

d. ___

e. ___

f. ___

views

Textbook Question

The muscle that rotates the eye medially is the

(a) Superior oblique

(b) Inferior rectus

(d) Lateral rectus