QuestionQUESTION: Could you help me and explain why is the Sartorius muscle called the
woman's muscles? Also why is the Trapezius muscle called the lawyer
muscle? It seems strange expressions to me, but maybe you have heard them
and enlighten me?
Thank you so much.
Malika
ANSWER: Hi Malika
You brought a smile to my face! It never ceases to amaze me on how authors and medical professionals coin certain muscles. I go through this process quite often in class when students find "new" terms out in the field or when reading from monthly publications.
I explain to save you a lot of grief, take these terms with a grain of salt. Why? Chances are there are only small groups in the marketplace that refer Sartorius and Trapezius in that manner. You are better off knowing the literal translation rather than a fly by night term coined by therapists based on their experiences.
For example Sartorius in Latin is Sartor which means Tailor. Tailors use the sartorius quite a bit and that's how it was named. We use the sartorius when sitting in a Yoga position or "Indian style", maybe that's why it's referred to as the women's muscle because most woman practice Yoga (although I do!). In any event it's always a safe bet to memorize the Latin, Greek or French definitions that have been used for hundreds of years.
Trapezius is Greek for "Tablelike" or coat hanger muscle because of what it resembles. Again terms that have been used for hundreds of years. Ah those pesky lawyers always looking to get something named after them!
Bottom line: I practice the rule of three. When introduced to new terminology in the medical field, I make a point of finding three separate reputable resources(medical books, websites) that introduce that new definition or terminology.
Hmmm come to think of it, have you heard that most anatomy and physiology teachers are named after the Gluteus Maximus? Can you guess why? :)
To your success
Jack Barakitis
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Jack
Thank you so much for your reply. I have to agree with you and stay with the
literal translation, which I'm more familiar with! Gluteus Max definitely
brought a smile on my face ;-). I came about those questions from a
questionnaire of another massage study I'm following...and that surprised
me.
Can you explain to me a few more things?
- what is an intrinsic muscle?
- what is an extrinsic muscle?
- which is stronger, the intrinsic or the extrinsic muscle?
Much appreciated.
Malika
AnswerThe extrinsic muscles can be divided into those that are located on the dorsal aspect of the forearm. which are the extensors, and those located on the palmar aspect of the forearm the flexors.
The intrinsic muscles originate at wrist and hand structures. They can be roughly divided into dorsal and volar(palm) muscles.
From my understanding extrinsic are the stronger in gripping something with your forearms and hands at a straight angle, but the moment there is angular/rotational deviation from your wrists intrinsics become more involved.
To your success
Jack Barakitis
