Functions of Muscles

Muscle injury is caused by strain from overexertion or a sudden twist. Muscle injuries can either be a strain or a tear. When muscle fibers are damaged, they are usually able to self-repair with short-term treatment like anti-inflammatory drugs, rest,... Full Answer

The rhomboids are key muscles in the mid/upper back that squeeze the shoulder blades together and provide stability for the shoulder complex. They are very important postural muscles that tend to become weak due to the prolonged amount of time... Full Answer

Fast-twitch muscles are used in quick, forceful muscle contractions such as sprinting or power lifting. Slow-twitch muscles are used in endurance activities such as long-distance running or biking. (This answer provided for NATA by the Gustavus... Full Answer

The abdominals consist of four muscles: the rectus abdominus, internal and external obliques, and transversus abdominus. The rectus abdominus starts at the front of the ribcage where the ribs meet and inserts onto the pubic bones of the pelvis.... Full Answer

For reasons we don't understand, middle-aged women (ages 30 to 50) tend to be at risk for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). If you're susceptible to inflammation of your pancreas (a condition called pancreatitis), you could also develop SODS. Full Answer

We don't really know yet what causes sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, otherwise known as SOD. There are a number of theories, including one that microscopic stones may cause the problem. Full Answer

The sphincter of Oddi is actually three smaller sphincters: long, circular muscle fibers located at the ends of the bile and pancreatic ducts that expand and contract to control the flow of certain fluids. It's in the area of the upper GI area known as... Full Answer

Muscle cars, muscle shirts, and muscle heads - they all connote the same image. Big, bad, strong, powerful. And for good reason: Muscle is what provides your body's power. It also gives you the ability to change your body in a couple of different ways.... Full Answer

The rib cage assists with breathing by using a pair of muscles located between each rib known as the internal intercostals and external intercostals. The external intercostal muscles raise the rib cage and help with inspiration, or breathing in. The... Full Answer

Muscle isn't just for football players, bouncers, and souped-up cars. Everyone benefits from adding some muscle to their body; in fact, adding some muscle will help lower your levels of blood sugar. The more muscle you have, the more you increase... Full Answer