Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

10. Muscles

Muscle Actions

Anatomy & Physiology

10. Muscles

Muscle Actions

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a general rule regarding skeletal muscle actions?

A muscle can contract and lengthen simultaneously.

Muscles always act alone and never in groups.

A muscle can push a bone away from its origin.

A muscle can only pull, not push, on a bone.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic principle of muscle contraction: Skeletal muscles work by contracting, which means they shorten and generate force. They cannot actively lengthen or push; they only pull on the structures they are attached to.

Review the anatomy of skeletal muscles: Muscles are attached to bones via tendons. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which in turn moves the bone at a joint.

Clarify the concept of muscle groups: Muscles often work in pairs or groups. For example, the biceps and triceps are antagonistic muscles—when one contracts, the other relaxes to allow movement in the opposite direction.

Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze each statement provided in the question. For example, 'A muscle can contract and lengthen simultaneously' is incorrect because muscles cannot actively lengthen; they only contract. Similarly, 'Muscles always act alone and never in groups' is incorrect because muscles often work in coordinated groups.

Confirm the correct answer: The statement 'A muscle can only pull, not push, on a bone' is correct because it aligns with the fundamental principle of muscle mechanics—muscles generate force by pulling, not pushing.