Origin and insertion of muscles

When reading anatomy books you will see reference to the origin and insertion of
muscle as they are connected to bones. These terms reflect the types of movement available
in our muscles and joints.
In an endless attempt to simplify the workings of the body I often describe the process as: The
bones hold you up, the muscles move you and the nerves tell the muscles to move the bones.
The bones are connected to each other with ligaments and the muscles are connected to the
bones with tendons. Our bodies move when muscles contract and exert force on the bones to
initiate an action.
Even though, as a yoga teacher, I am often imploring students to engage a particular muscle
when performing an action, muscles don’t actually work in isolation. They are always involved
in a chain and the part an individual muscle will play is often determined by their origin and
insertion.
In most instances of movement one end of a muscle is still while the other end moves. Usually,
the origin is the end that doesn’t move when the contraction occurs, and the insertion is the
opposite end of the muscle that moves.
Usually, the insertion—the moveable piece—is furthest from the body. We use the terms
proximal and distal to denote closer or further away. The insertion is usually the distal end of
the muscle—or further away from the center of the body (ankle is distal to the knee; wrist is
distal to the elbow).

Origin

The term of origin is referred to the proximal end of an attachment that is present in between
a muscle and a bone.  The origin is not capable of movement by the action of that muscle as it
stands stills while the muscle moves. It is basically the distal end of the connection of a muscle
to a bone. On the other hand, the insertion is that part of the body which acts as the distal end
of the attachment of a muscle to a bone. The insertion has the ability to be moved by the
muscle. Both of the origin and the insertion are working in the body in the form of two points
of muscle attachment. The movement of the origin is very little that is generally considered fix
point. The insertion, on the contrary, is another end which is moveable. Every time when a
muscle initiates its movement, this is the insertion point which always moves towards the
origin.
The Origin is the part and parcel of each muscle which is located in the attachment site of the
muscle’s tendon that is situated towards the more stationary bone. The movement capability
of the origin is far less and it is motionless in most of the cases. The origin is the point where
the muscle normally becomes still. One origin is present in every muscle even though you can
observe more than one origin in some muscles as well.
Insertion

Insertion

The insertion is also a necessary part of the muscle that is present in the attachment site of the
muscle’s tendon to a more movable bone.  The main feature of the insertion is to provide
movement in the case when the muscle contracts. It is the tendency of the insertion to show
more distal facility.

Key Differences

 Origin is sited at the ending position where it doesn’t show any or very little movement
when the muscle moves. But the insertion is the end where it shows movement along
with the muscle moves.
 The tendency of the Origin is more proximal whereas the insertion has a tendency to be
more origin.
 According to the functionality of the origin, it is situated to that part of a muscle which
attaches to a less movable bone. Quite the opposite, the insertion has the moving trend
and thus it is located at the point where a muscle attaches to a more moveable bone.
 The origin contains more mass as compared to the Insertion.
 In the situation where the muscle is contracting, it draws the insertion towards th

Arrangement of Fascicles

All skeletal muscle is made up of fascicles (bundles of fiber), but fascicle arrangements

vary considerably, resulting in muscles with different shapes and functional capabilities. The
most common patterns of fascicle arrangement are circular, parallel, convergent, and pennate.

Circular
The fascicular pattern is circular when the fascicles are arranged in concentric rings. Muscles
with this arrangement surround external body openings, which they close by contracting. The
general term used for these kinds of muscles is “sphincter”. Examples include the orbicularis
muscles surround the mouth and eyes.

Convergent
A convergent muscle has a broad origin, and its fascicles converge toward a single tendon of
insertion. Such a muscle is triangular or fan shaped like the pectoralis major muscle of the
anterior thorax.

Patterns of fascicle arrangement in muscles

Parallel

In a parallel arrangement, the length of the fascicles runs parallel to the long axis of the
muscle. Such muscles are either straplike like the sartorius muscle of the thigh, or spindle
shaped with an extended belly, like the biceps brachii muscle of the arm. However, some
scientists classify spindle-shaped muscles into a separate class as fusiform muscles.
Pennate
in a pennate pattern, the fascicles are short and they attach obliquely to a central tendon that
runs the length of the muscle. Pennate muscles come in three forms:
 Unipennate, in which the fascicles insert into only one side of the tendon, as in the
extensor digitorum longus muscle of the leg.
 Bipennate, in which the fascicles insert into the tendon from opposite sides so the
muscle “grain” resembles a feather. The rectus femoris of the thigh is bipennate.
 Multipennate, which looks like many feathers side by side, with all their quills inserted
into one large tendon. The deltoid muscle, which forms the roundness of the shoulder is
multipennate.

What is isokinetic exercise?

Isokinetic exercise is a type of strength training. It uses specialized exercise machines

that produce a constant speed no matter how much effort you expend. These machines
control the pace of an exercise by fluctuating resistance throughout your range of motion.
Your speed remains consistent despite how much force you exert.

You can adjust the target exercise speed and range of motion to suit your needs. Different
attachments on the machines can isolate and target specific muscle groups. You can use
Isokinetic exercise to test and improve your muscular strength and endurance.

Benefits of isokinetic exercise

Isokinetic exercises are often used for rehabilitation and recovery since it’s a controlled form
of exercise. Physical therapists and occupational therapists use isokinetic machines to help
people recover from a stroke, an injury, or a medical procedure. Isokinetic machines can also
be used to treat imbalances in the body that have the potential to cause injury.
Being able to control the resistance and speed helps to:

 prevent injury
 increase muscle flexibility
 control muscle development

Isokinetic exercise is a form of strength training that can increase muscle tone, strength, and
endurance. It can also help improve balance and coordination, and boost metabolism.

Strength training makes everyday activities easier to perform, and can increase your athletic
performance. It can also have a positive effect on your cognitive function and quality of life.

Isokinetic exercise also has a beneficial impact on the core muscles that support the spine and
stabilize the body.

A 2008 study found that isokinetic training effectively restored imbalances in knee muscle
strength in professional soccer players. Older research from 1999 found evidence that
isokinetic exercise may be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis in older adults. Participants
in the study who did the exercises three times a week for eight weeks improved function,
strength, and pain measures.

There’s also evidence from a 2016 study that isokinetic muscle strengthening increases the
effects of aerobic exercises in people with obesity. As part of the study, isokinetic exercises
were found to improve muscle strength, increase lean body mass, and reduce body fat. The
participants who did the isokinetic training in addition to aerobic exercises showed greater
improvements than those who did only aerobic training.

Risks of isokinetic exercise

In general, isokinetic exercise is a safe form of strength training since you don’t have to
overcome that initial moment of inertia. Inertia is when you start to move weight from a dead
stop.

Isokinetic exercise is also safe for people with injuries. The resistance makes it harder for you
to push yourself beyond what your therapist recommends. You’re also less likely to pull
muscles or have complications, like sore muscles, from the exercises.
How to begin an isokinetic exercise program

Each machine has a specific purpose and can be used to tone or work specific areas of your
body, such as the quadriceps, knee extensor muscles, or abdominal muscles. The resistance
can be customized and adjusted to suit your needs. This is useful if you’re rehabilitating from
an injury.

Start your exercise program based on your personal goals and situation. You should begin with
little to no resistance, and slowly build up your resistance and repetition count.

You’ll need isokinetic machines to do most of the exercises. Some of the machines are more
complex, and you’ll need a skilled user to teach you how to use them. This person will also
know how to do tests and measurements. Certain specialist machines are found in sports
science labs and rehabilitation centers.

Depending on how complicated the machine is to use and its availability, it’s possible for you
to do the exercises on your own. However, you may wish to join a class or exercise under the
supervision of a trained professional, especially when you first begin.

If you’re using a machine such as a stationary bike or a treadmill, do 30 to 60 minutes per

session. You can increase the pace and duration as you go. It’s recommended that you work
out at least three days per week, with a day or two of rest in between workouts.

Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 15 repetitions of strength exercises. Make sure you always move slowly
and with control. Use weights that are heavy enough to fatigue your muscles without
straining. Increase the resistance as you gain strength.

Exercise safety tips

It’s important that you exercise safely to protect your body. Balance strength training with
exercises that promote cardiovascular health and flexibility.

Always start by warming up the body with dynamic stretches, jogging, or brisk walking. Then
do some gentle stretches to loosen up your body.
Drink plenty of water and maintain proper hydration before, during, and after your workout.
Take at least a few minutes to cool down after your workout. Doing gentle stretches will also
help to prevent soreness and injuries.
Pay attention to your body. Take your time, and breathe regularly. Stop working out if you feel
pain or discomfort, and always use proper form and alignment while completing the exercises
to prevent injury. Take plenty of rest, and schedule days off from exercise, especially if you
experience pain and fatigue.

What is electromyography?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of

muscles and the nerve cells that control them. These nerve cells are known as motor neurons.
They transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract and relax. An EMG translates
these signals into graphs or numbers, helping doctors to make a diagnosis.

A doctor will usually order an EMG when someone is showing symptoms of a muscle or nerve
disorder. These symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or unexplained weakness in the
limbs. EMG results can help the doctor diagnose muscle disorders, nerve disorders, and
disorders affecting the connection between nerves and muscles.

Some doctors may refer to electromyography as an electrodiagnostic exam.

Why is electromyography performed?

Your doctor may perform an EMG if you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate a muscle
or nerve disorder. Some symptoms that may call for an EMG include:

 tingling
 numbness
 muscle weakness
 muscle pain or cramping
 paralysis
 involuntary muscle twitching (or tics)

The results of an EMG can help your doctor determine the underlying cause of these
symptoms. Possible causes could include:

 muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy

 disorders that affect the ability of the motor neuron to send electrical signals to the
muscle, such as myasthenia gravis
 radiculopathies
 peripheral nerve disorders that affect the nerves outside the spinal cord, such as carpal
tunnel syndrome
 nerve disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
How do I prepare for electromyography?

Make sure to notify your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you
may be taking. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you
have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. You may not be able to have an EMG if you
have any of these medical conditions or devices.

If you’re able to have an EMG, you should do the following beforehand:

 Avoid smoking for at least three hours before the procedure.

 Bathe or take a shower to remove any oils from the skin. Don’t apply any lotions or
creams after washing.
 Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t obstruct the area that your doctor will be
evaluating. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown right before the procedure

What happens during an electromyography?

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table or to sit in a reclined chair. Your doctor
may ask you to move into different positions during the procedure.
There are two components to an EMG test: the nerve conduction study and needle EMG. The
nerve conduction study is the first part of the procedure. It involves placing small sensors
called surface electrodes on the skin to assess the ability of the motor neurons to send
electrical signals. The second part of the EMG procedure, known as needle EMG, also uses
sensors to evaluate electrical signals. The sensors are called needle electrodes, and they’re
directly inserted into muscle tissue to evaluate muscle activity when at rest and when
contracted.
The nerve conduction study is performed first. During this portion of the procedure, your
doctor will apply several electrodes to the surface of your skin, usually in the area where
you’re experiencing symptoms. These electrodes will evaluate how well your motor neurons
communicate with your muscles. Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed from
the skin.
After the nerve conduction study, your doctor will perform the needle EMG. Your doctor will
first clean the affected area with an antiseptic. Then, they will use a needle to insert electrodes
into your muscle tissue. You may feel slight discomfort or pain while the needle is being
inserted.
The needle electrodes will evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles when contracted and
when at rest. These electrodes will be removed after the test is over.
During both parts of the EMG procedure, the electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to
your nerves. A computer will translate these signals into graphs or numerical values that can
be interpreted by your doctor. The entire procedure should take between 30 and 60 minutes.
What are the risks of electromyography?

An EMG is a very low-risk exam. However, you may feel sore in the area that was tested. The
soreness may last for a few days and can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever,
such as ibuprofen.

In rare cases, you may experience tingling, bruising, and swelling at the needle insertion sites.
Make sure to tell your doctor if the swelling or pain becomes worse.

What do my electromyography results mean?

Your doctor may review the results with you right after the procedure. However, if another
healthcare provider ordered the EMG, then you may not know the results until you attend a
follow-up appointment with your doctor.

If your EMG shows any electrical activity in a resting muscle, then you may have:

 a muscle disorder
 a disorder affecting the nerves that connect to the muscle
 inflammation caused by an injury

If your EMG shows abnormal electrical activity when a muscle contracts, then you may have
a herniated disc or a nerve disorder, such as ALS or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Depending on your results, your doctor will talk to you about any additional tests or
treatments that might be needed.

What Is Muscular Strength?

You might think that muscular strength is simply how strong you are. For example, how much
you weight you can carry, how many pounds you can lift at the gym or how many push ups
you can do during a workout. But a true muscular strength definition is a little bit more
complicated than that.
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), muscular strength is the maximal force a
muscle or muscle group can exert during a contraction. Muscular strength is usually measured
with a one-rep maximum (1-RM) test. During a 1-RM, an exerciser performs one repetition of a
single exercise to see how much weight he or she can lift.
But there are other factors that affect how strong you are and how much strength you have to
complete daily chores or exercises. ACE provides definitions for these terms that are related to
muscular strength:
  Muscular endurance. The ability of your muscles to exert force against resistance over a
sustained period of time. 
 Muscular power. The combination of muscular force and the speed of movement

For example, the number of push-ups you can do in one minute depends in part on your
muscular strength but also on your muscular power and muscular endurance.

How to Improve Muscle Definition and Muscular Strength

The best way to build muscle strength is to participate in a program of resistance training.
Some people call it strength training or "weightlifting."  But you don't have to lift weights to
improve your muscles. You can do simple body weight exercises at home to build muscle and
build strength. 
Strength training improves both the size of your muscle fibers and it also improves the ability
of your nerves to communicate with the muscles. So as your muscles get bigger with
resistance training (muscle hypertrophy) they also become more coordinated and better able
to perform movements that require strength.
So how long does it take to build muscle strength? After 2-3 weeks of resistance training or
strength training, you'll probably notice that your muscles get stronger. In addition, you may
notice greater muscle definition. That is, your muscles become "defined" and easier to see on
your body.
But muscle definition also depends on your level of body fat. If your muscles get bigger but
you still carry too much fat, you may not see sculpted muscles on your body. To improve both
muscle definition and muscular strength you need to combine a healthy diet to lose fat with a
resistance training program to build muscle.

Benefits of Building Muscular Strength

When you improve muscular strength and muscular definition, you enjoy many different
benefits, especially if you are trying to lose weight. And you don't have to be an expert body
builder to take advantage of them. Strength training provides benefits for exercisers of all
levels.

When you include strength training in your exercise program you build lean muscle mass and
improve your metabolism. Having stronger muscles will also help you to move through your
daily activities and burn more calories with greater ease. And muscles help to improve the way
that your body looks. A tighter, leaner body looks better at every size.