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Anatly

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).

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Structures

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.