Anterior Muscles
There are several muscles that will be covered for the anterior (front) of the human body. For all the following muscles reference Figure 2 and your body.
For each muscle listed below you will need to know the name, location and action the muscle performs.
- Pectoralis Major - this is a superficial muscle that can be seen on the anterior side. You can palpate this muscle on yourself by placing one hand on your upper chest near your shoulder and moving the arm on that side of the body.
- Serratus Anterior - this muscle is partilly superfical and partial deep. You can palpate this muscle on toop of your rib cage under your arm. Use one arm to push on a stationary object and you will feel this muscle slightly contract.
- Biceps Brachii - this is the most superficial of a synergistic grouping of three muscles. You can palpate this muscle by placing a hand on your uper arm on the anterior side. Bring your hand to your should and the muscle will contract and buldge slightly.
- Rectus Abdominus - this muscle is deep below a layer of connective tissue. Depending on your physique you may be able to feel this muscle by 'crunching' your abs.
- External Oblique - this muscle is superficial and is best palpated on the lateral portion of your torso. Place your hands on your sides, just above your waist and twist at the waist. You should be able to feel a slight tightening of the musculature at your sides. This is the External Oblique contracting.
- Adductor Longus - this muscle is partially superficial and partially deep. This muscle can be palpated but it is difficult to identify this particular muscle from the others around it. In general when you flex your leg (raise your leg) you will feel muscles contracting on the medial / anterior portion of the upper thigh.
- Sartorius - a very long, strap like muscle that is superficial on the anterior thigh. This muscle is very hard to palpate but if you are able to the best chance is on the medial portion of your lower thigh. Move your leg like you are going to sit cross-legged and this muscle will be contracting.
- Quadriceps Group - a grouping of four muscles. Three of the muscles are superficial and one is deep. The group is easy to palpate with your hand. Place a hand on your thigh and raise your foot forward. You can make the muscle of this group work a little harder by trying to lift something with your toes.
- Tibialis Anterior - this is a superficial muscle that is located on the anterior portion of your lower leg (shin). You can palpate the muscle by findind your tibia ('shin bone') and then feeling the muscle just lateral (toward the outside) to it. Bring your toes up and the muscle will contract.
Figure 2 - Muscle Man Anterior
Image from Johnson Human Biology 6th edition.
|
