Understanding Muscle Shapes

Front

Fusiform muscles

Back

Spindle-shaped, wider in the middle, tapering at both ends

Example of fusiform muscle:

Brachioradialis

Front

Parallel muscles

Back

Fibers run parallel to the length of the muscle

Example of parallel muscle:

Sartorius

Front

Pennate muscles

Back

Feather-like arrangement of fibers

Example of pennate muscle:

Rectus Femoris

Front

Convergent muscles

Back

Broad origin, fibers converge to a single tendon

Example of convergent muscle:

Pectoralis Major

Front

Circular muscles

Back

Fibers arranged in concentric rings

Example of circular muscle:

Orbicularis Oris

Front

spiral muscle

Back

Muscles that wind around a central axis, often responsible for rotational movements

Example of spiral muscle:

Latissimus dorsi