Ch. 07 Key Terms
Moving a body part away from the center of your body (like lifting your arm out to the side).
abduction
A permanent tightening or shortening of a muscle or joint that makes it hard to move.
contracture
Straightening a joint (like opening your hand).
extension
The state of slight, constant tension in a muscle, even when it's "relaxed."
muscle tone
Twisting or turning a body part on its axis (like turning your head to say "no")
rotation
Moving a body part toward the center of your body (like bringing your arm back to your side)
adduction
Bending your foot upward, toward your shin.
dorsiflexion
A thin, tough sheet of tissue that wraps around muscles and organs (like internal cling wrap)
fascia
All the muscles in your body, which allow you to move.
muscular system
Muscles attached to your bones that you control on purpose (like your biceps).
skeletal muscle
The special muscle found only in the heart, which pumps blood automatically.
cardiac muscle
A muscle's ability to snap back to its original shape after being stretched.
elasticity
Bending a joint (like making a fist).
flexion
The end of the muscle that attaches to the bone that stays still (the anchor).
origin
Turning your forearm so your palm faces up (like holding a bowl of soup).
supination
Moving a limb in a circular motion (like winding up to throw a ball).
circumduction
A muscle's ability to respond to a signal (like from a nerve).
excitability
The end of the muscle that attaches to the bone that moves.
insertion
Pointing your foot downward (like standing on your tiptoes).
plantar flexion
The tough cords that connect muscles to bones.
tendons
A muscle's ability to shorten or tighten.
contractibility
A muscle's ability to be stretched.
extensibility
Working automatically, without you having to think about it (like your heart beating)
involuntary
Turning your forearm so your palm faces down.
pronation
(Also called smooth muscle) The muscle found inside your internal organs (like your stomach or intestines) that works automatically.
visceral muscle