Chapter 9.1, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To review:

The relation of the terms pennate, parallel, and circular with the muscle fiber orientation.

Introduction:

The skeletal muscle fibers (muscle cells) are long and thin in shape. They are bundled together in a group of 10–100, known as a fascicle. The orientation of muscle fibers as well as the fascicle influence the appearance and functioning of skeletal muscles to a great extent. There are six major patterns in which muscles are oriented. These are parallel, convergent, pennate, circular, spiral, and fusiform.