Ch. 7.5 Muscular System Key terms
Moving a body part away from the midline.
abduction
A severe tightening of a flexor muscle resulting in a bending of a joint.
contracture
extension
Straightening a body part (increasing the angle between two bones).
muscle tone
A state of partial contraction that helps maintain posture.
Moving a body part around its own axis.
rotation
Moving a body part toward the midline.
adduction
Bending backward (e.g., bending the foot toward the knee).
dorsiflexion
fascia
A tough, sheet-like membrane that covers and protects the tissue.
muscular system
The body system that gives the body its form, protects internal organs, provides for movement, and produces most of the body's heat.
skeletal muscle
Muscle that is attached to bones and causes body movement. It is a voluntary muscle.
Forms the walls of the heart and contracts to circulate blood. It is an involuntary muscle.
cardiac muscule
The ability of a muscle to return to its original shape after contracting or stretching.
elasticy
flexion
Bending a body part (decreasing the angle between two bones).
origin
The end that does not move when the muscle contracts.
supination
Turning a body part upward (e.g., turning the palm up).
Moving in a circle at a joint.
circumduction
The ability of a muscle to respond to a stimulus (like a nerve impulse).
excitability
insertion
The end that moves when the muscle contracts.
plantar flexion
Bending forward (e.g., straightening the foot away from the knee).
Strong, tough connective tissue cords that connect muscles to bones.
tendons
The ability of a muscle to shorten and move something.
contractility
The ability of a muscle to stretch or lengthen.
extensability
involuntary
Muscle activity that is not controlled by conscious thought.
pronation
Turning a body part downward (e.g., turning the palm down).
Muscle found in the walls of the internal organs (stomach, intestines, etc.). Also called smooth muscle. It is an involuntary muscle.