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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2:20 minutes

Problem 25

Textbook Question

Why does a convergent muscle exhibit more versatility when contracting than does a parallel muscle?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structural differences between convergent and parallel muscles. Convergent muscles have fibers that spread out from a broad origin and converge at a single insertion point, while parallel muscles have fibers that run parallel to each other along the length of the muscle.

Recognize that the arrangement of fibers in convergent muscles allows for activation of different portions of the muscle. This means that specific regions of the muscle can contract independently, enabling a variety of movements and directions.

Compare this to parallel muscles, which have fibers aligned in a uniform direction. Parallel muscles are efficient at producing force along a single axis but lack the ability to generate diverse movements due to their uniform fiber orientation.

Consider the functional implications: convergent muscles can adapt to different tasks by varying the activation of their fibers, making them more versatile in terms of movement and force generation. Parallel muscles are optimized for consistent force production along one direction but are less adaptable.

Conclude that the versatility of convergent muscles arises from their fiber arrangement, which allows for selective activation and a broader range of motion compared to the uniform fiber alignment of parallel muscles.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Muscle Architecture

Muscle architecture refers to the arrangement of muscle fibers relative to the muscle's line of action. Convergent muscles have fibers that converge at a single point, allowing for a broader range of motion and force application. In contrast, parallel muscles have fibers aligned parallel to the muscle's length, which limits their versatility in movement but allows for greater shortening.

Force Generation

Force generation in muscles is influenced by the angle and arrangement of muscle fibers. Convergent muscles can generate force from multiple angles due to their structure, enabling them to adapt to various movements. Parallel muscles, while capable of generating high force in a straight line, lack the same adaptability, making them less versatile in dynamic movements.

Range of Motion

Range of motion refers to the extent of movement possible at a joint or muscle. Convergent muscles can change their angle of pull and adapt to different positions, enhancing their ability to perform diverse actions. Parallel muscles, however, are limited in their range of motion due to their linear fiber arrangement, which restricts their functional versatility during contraction.

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