The abductor hallucis flexes more than it abducts the big toe. It has an elongated, rectangular form that begins from a wide origin on the bottom of the calcaneous, the edge of the flexor retinaculum, and the plantar aponeurosis (a strong fibrous band of fascia that extends along the bottom of the foot) and inserts on the inside of the base of the first phalanx of the big toe. It is innervated by the medial plantar nerve and supplied by the plantar artery. Research Abductor Hallucis
The fascia is the layer of loose tissue, often containing fat, immediately beneath the skin forming the stronger layer of connective tissue covering and investing all the muscles, Research Fascia
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle lies in the middle of the sole of the foot. It originates from the medial tubercle of the calcaneum and the plantar fascia and divides into four tendons and extends to the medial phalanges of each toe. It is innervated by the medial plantar nerve and supplied by the plantar artery. This muscle helps flex (bend) the toes. Research Flexor Digitorum Brevis
The iliotibial tract, also called the iliotibial band, is a long, wide, band of fascia that lies over the muscles on the outer surface of the thigh. It begins superiorly at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur (upper edge of the thighbone) and ends inferiorly where it inserts in the condyle of the tibia. This band is a thickening of the normal fascia that surrounds the entire leg. It is thin medially (inner thigh), but is thick laterally (outer thigh). Acting almost like a ligament, this tendon helps mainly to stabilize the knee joint, but also acts in flexing (bending) and extending (straightening) the knee. Research Iliotibial Tract
Muscles are the organs of motion and consist of bundles or fasciculi of parallel reddish contractile fibres. Toward the end of the muscle the fibres are so modified that they form a white cord or tendon of great density and strength. This tendon is attached to the bone so strongly that it is almost impossible to detach it. Sometimes a tendon spreads out like a flat sheet or thick membrane; it is then called fascia or aponeurosis. The fibres of a muscle have the power of contracting and relaxing under different stimuli sent to them by nerves. Muscular contractions cause them to move the bones, and consequently the limbs and body, in such direction as the brain and nerves command. Contraction is the special function of the muscles; all movements are performed by them. There are three kinds of muscle tissue: striated muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle. Most of the body' s muscle consists of striated muscle which is the skeletal muscle. It is also called voluntary muscle because it can be consciously controlled via the central nervous system.
Smooth muscle is the muscle of the internal organs and is called involuntary because it is not under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle is a special type of muscle found only in the heart. It consists of linked fibres that contract in unison producing the heartbeat. Research Muscles
The muscles of the torso extend in several directions. They include those that move the vertebral column (spine), the muscles that form the thoracic and abdominal walls, and those that cover the pelvic outlet. The muscles of the thoracic wall are primarily involved in the process of breathing. The abdominal wall consists of four muscle pairs, arranged in layers, and the fascia that envelopes them. The back is crisscrossed by broad bands of muscle. The muscles in the lower back provide support for your upright posture. The muscles at the top of the back move the shoulders and arms, and help you breathe. Those in the central group steady the spine and enable you to bend forward and backward and to twist from side to side. The deeper muscles form an overlapping sheet that joins this central region to the phalanges on the scapula and pelvis. Other muscles link these bones to the arms and legs. Many of the muscles that give strength to the back of the upper torso are near the surface of the skin. A deep layer of muscles, some interwoven with
the ribs and others linked to the spine, provide flexibility and added stability to the back. The
muscles of the torso work together in groups contracting and relaxing to support and propel the torso. These muscles also help maintain posture and aid the spinal muscles when bending, twisting, and in a wide range of other movements, such as breathing, coughing, sneezing, laughing, and sighing. Research Muscles of the Torso
Orthopaedics is the branch of surgery devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, injuries, deformities, and malformations of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Orthopaedists thus treat traumatic injuries to bones, such as fractures and dislocations; disturbances in joints, such as sprains, torn cartilages, or strained ligaments; and inflammation of muscle or connective tissues, such as bursitis, myositis, and tendonitis. They also treat back problems, such as strains, ruptured discs, or curvatures; foot problems, such as flat feet or high arches; and neck disorders, such as strains or arthritis. Surgeons employ mechanical appliances, such as braces, splints, and casts, and in surgical procedures extensively use hardware such as screws, pins, nails, and bolts and nuts, particularly in repairing broken bones. In the 20th century open operations are performed freely; many deformities are cured by operative means alone; and improved X-ray techniques have made the diagnosis of bone and joint lesions more exact and the results of treatment more satisfactory. The transplantation of bone, fascia, muscle, and tendon for the restoration of function to, or the replacement of, destroyed tissue and even the use of newly devised metal prostheses to replace arthritic joints are now commonplace. Research Orthopedics
The pyramidalis nasi, or procerus muscle, is a thin sheath of muscle placed over the nasalbone between the eyes. Its origin is with the fascia covering the lower part of the nasalbone (bridge of the nose) and it is inserted into the frontalis portion of the occipito-frontalis muscle and the skin over the lower part of the forehead between the two eyebrows. It is innervated by branches of the facial nerve (VII cranial nerve) and supplied by branches of the facial artery. The muscle draws the eyebrows down and together causing wrinkles across the bridge of the nose. It is used when expressing anger, pain, or frowning or concentrating. Research Pyramidalis Nasi
The rectus abdominis is a long, flat, vertical muscle located along the front of the abdomen. It is wide and thin at its point of origin along the crest of the pubic bone (pelvis) and tapers below to insert in the xiphoid process and the cartilage of the fifth, sixth, and seventhribs. The rectus abdominis is innervated by branches from the lower thoracis nreves and supplied by the epigastric arteries. This muscle is used when you bend forward. It also tenses the abdominal wall and aids in compressing the contents of the abdomen. The muscle is enclosed in a sheath of fascia that holds it in position, but does not restrict its movement during its contractions. Research Rectus Abdominis
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Abductor Hallucis
