Muscular system
Skeletal muscles convert chemical energy into movement. They attach to bones through tendons, and each muscle is described by its origin, insertion, nerve supply and action.
By convention the origin is the attachment that stays relatively fixed during contraction and the insertion is the attachment that moves, although this can reverse depending on the movement.
The atlas models this system as interactive 3D geometry (toggle it in the Systems panel).
Open the 3D atlasStructures
MuscleLower limb
Adductor magnus
MuscleUpper limb
Biceps brachii
MuscleLower limb
Biceps femoris
MuscleUpper limb
Brachialis
MuscleUpper limb
Brachioradialis
MuscleUpper limb
Coracobrachialis
MuscleUpper limb
Deltoid
MuscleThorax
Diaphragm
MuscleUpper limb
Extensor carpi radialis longus
MuscleAbdomen and pelvis
External oblique
MuscleUpper limb
Flexor carpi radialis
MuscleUpper limb
Flexor digitorum profundus
MuscleUpper limb
Flexor digitorum superficialis
MuscleLower limb
Gastrocnemius
MuscleLower limb
Gluteus maximus
MuscleLower limb
Gluteus medius
MuscleLower limb
Gracilis
MuscleAbdomen and pelvis
Iliacus
MuscleUpper limb
Infraspinatus
MuscleBack
Levator scapulae
MuscleUpper limb
Palmaris longus
MuscleThorax
Pectoralis major
MuscleThorax
Pectoralis minor
MuscleLower limb
Piriformis
MuscleLower limb
Popliteus
MuscleUpper limb
Pronator teres
MuscleAbdomen and pelvis
Psoas major
MuscleLower limb
Quadriceps femoris
MuscleLower limb
Rectus femoris
MuscleBack
Rhomboid major
MuscleLower limb
Sartorius
MuscleLower limb
Semimembranosus
MuscleLower limb
Semitendinosus
MuscleThorax
Serratus anterior
MuscleLower limb
Soleus
MuscleHead and neck
Sternocleidomastoid
MuscleUpper limb
Subscapularis
MuscleUpper limb
Supraspinatus
MuscleLower limb
Tensor fasciae latae
MuscleUpper limb
Teres major
MuscleUpper limb
Teres minor
MuscleLower limb
Tibialis anterior
MuscleBack
Trapezius
MuscleUpper limb
Triceps brachii
MuscleLower limb
Vastus lateralis
MuscleLower limb
Vastus medialis
Common questions
What is the difference between origin and insertion of a muscle?
The origin is the attachment that usually remains stationary when the muscle contracts, typically the more proximal one. The insertion is the attachment on the bone that moves.
How many skeletal muscles are there?
The human body has roughly 600 named skeletal muscles, depending on how some muscles and muscle parts are counted.