Anatomy and physiology labs

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Introduction to ScienceExperiment 4Gross Anatomy of the Muscular System Experiment Inventory

Materials *Participant (can be yourself)

*Partner

*Heavy Object (approximately 5 pounds)

Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.

© eScience Labs, 2016

EXPERIMENT 4: GROSS ANATOMY OF THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Muscle actions are often described as a departure from the anatomic position. In this exercise, you will learn how muscles func tion.

Note If you suffer from a medical condition that does not permit you to perform this activity, please

ask a partner to volunteer for you.

PROCEDURE

1. Begin by examining the muscles found in the upper limbs. First, extend your forearm so you have a clear view of your

hand. What muscle is required to perform this extension? Record your observations in Table 2.

Note: It is helpful to palpate the area being flexed to better identify which muscles are being used.

2. Extend your fingers out so they are straight and splayed apart. Then, retract your fingers into a tight fist. Repeat this motion

several times, observing the wrist and hand muscles as they flex and relax. What muscles are used to complete this ac

tion? Record your observations in Table 2.

3. Moving up the limb, extend your forearm out until it is parallel to the ground. Have a partner press down on your forearm.

Flex your forearm to provide resistance as your partner pushes down. Observe the forearm and identify which muscles are

being used. Record your observations in Table 2.

4. Have your partner stop pushing down on your forearm, but keep it extended. Curl the forearm upward, creating a bend at

the elbow. Observe which muscles are being used to complete this action, and record your observations in Table 2.

5. Find a heavy object and pick it up. Keeping your arm straight, raise the object out to the side until it is parallel to the

ground. What muscles does this action require? Continue holding the object and drop your arm down. Rotate your arm

back behind you. What muscles does this action activate? Record your observations in Table 2.

Note: Be sure that the heavy object is not too heavy before you lift it. Never lift the heavy object

above your head.

6. Move down to the lower limbs and determine what motions are needed to view the lower-limb muscles in action. For ex-

ample, you may want to walk, jump, sit, point your toes, etc. Engage at least seven different muscles, and indicate what

motion you used to engage each muscle in Table 2.

© eScience Labs, 2016

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Data SheetExperiment 4 Data Sheet Table 2: Gross Anatomy Data

© eScience Labs, 2016

Movement Muscle(s) Activated Action(s) of Muscle(s) Forearm Extended Fingers Extended and Splayed Fingers Retracted Forearm Pressed Down Upon Elbow Bent Arm Raised to Side with Heavy Ob ject Arm Extended Back with Heavy Ob ject (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…) (lower limbs; student selects ac tion…)