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Related Concept Videos

Fascicle Arrangement in Skeletal Muscles01:25

Fascicle Arrangement in Skeletal Muscles

Fascicles are bundles of muscle fibers in a skeletal muscle. Muscle fascicle arrangement is directly associated with the power and range of motion of various muscles. The configuration of these fascicles can vary, leading to different functional outcomes.
The four primary types of muscle based on fascicle arrangement are:
Muscles that Move the Forearm01:16

Muscles that Move the Forearm

The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Muscles that Move the Arm01:31

Muscles that Move the Arm

Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers01:32

Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Skeletal muscles comprise various fibers, each with distinct characteristics and roles in movement and stability. They are mainly categorized into three types — fast-twitch, slow-twitch, and intermediate.
Fast-twitch fibers
Fast-twitch fibers, or Type II fibers, are designed for quick, powerful bursts of speed and strength. They reach peak tension within approximately 0.01 seconds following stimulation. Characterized by a large diameter and densely packed myofibrils, these fibers contain...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers01:16

Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers

The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Naming Skeletal Muscles01:19

Naming Skeletal Muscles

The naming of the approximately 700 muscles in the human body is based on a set of criteria designed to provide descriptive information about each muscle, making it easier to identify and remember them.
The key factors used in naming muscles include:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology
08:48

Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology

Published on: October 27, 2023

3D fascicle orientations in triceps surae.

Manku Rana1, Ghassan Hamarneh, James M Wakeling

  • 1Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|May 4, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This study reveals that three-dimensional muscle fascicle architecture in the triceps surae changes significantly with contraction and ankle angle. Understanding these 3D changes is crucial for accurate muscle function analysis.

Keywords:
2D ultrasoundfascicle sheet orientationmuscle force-length interaction

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Obtaining Quality Extended Field-of-View Ultrasound Images of Skeletal Muscle to Measure Muscle Fascicle Length

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology
08:48

Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology

Published on: October 27, 2023

3D Ultrasound Imaging: Fast and Cost-effective Morphometry of Musculoskeletal Tissue
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Obtaining Quality Extended Field-of-View Ultrasound Images of Skeletal Muscle to Measure Muscle Fascicle Length
09:57

Obtaining Quality Extended Field-of-View Ultrasound Images of Skeletal Muscle to Measure Muscle Fascicle Length

Published on: December 14, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Human Anatomy
  • Musculoskeletal System

Background:

  • Muscle fascicle architecture significantly influences muscle force production and function.
  • Previous studies often used 2D imaging, potentially limiting the understanding of complex 3D muscle arrangements.
  • The triceps surae muscle group is critical for locomotion and postural control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the three-dimensional (3D) muscle fascicle architecture of the human triceps surae muscles.
  • To investigate how fascicle architecture changes with varying contraction levels and muscle lengths.
  • To introduce and analyze the utility of the azimuthal angle as a novel architectural parameter.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized B-mode ultrasound combined with 3D position sensors to image triceps surae muscles in six male subjects.
  • Assessed fascicle architecture across three contraction levels (0-60% MVC) and four ankle angles (-15° to 30° plantar flexion).
  • Quantified fascicle orientation using pennation and azimuthal angles, analyzing regional differences within the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus.

Main Results:

  • 3D fascicle orientations, including pennation and azimuthal angles, varied significantly with contraction intensity and ankle joint angle.
  • Changes in the novel azimuthal angle were comparable in magnitude to changes in the pennation angle.
  • Error analysis indicated that 2D estimations of pennation could be inaccurate, particularly for the soleus muscle, highlighting the importance of probe orientation.

Conclusions:

  • The 3D architecture of the triceps surae muscles is dynamic and significantly influenced by joint angle and muscle activation.
  • The azimuthal angle provides valuable new information about fascicle arrangement in three dimensions.
  • Accurate 3D imaging and analysis are essential for precise muscle function assessment, with specific considerations for probe placement in muscles like the soleus.