Introduction The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a major blood vessel in the human body, arising from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac artery at the level of the first lumbar vertebra It begins at the level of the L1 vertebrae on the anterior surface of the aorta, about 1 centimetre below the celiac…
Introduction The thick, robust tendon that joins the quadriceps muscles to the patella (kneecap) is called the quadriceps tendon. It is an essential component of the leg’s extensor mechanism and is critical in knee joint movement. The four quadriceps muscles, which are found in the front of the thigh, converge to produce the quadriceps tendon….
What is a Skeletal Muscle? Skeletal muscles (often referred to as muscles) are the organs of the vertebrate muscular system and are usually connected to the bones of the skeleton by tendons. Muscle cells in skeletal muscle are much longer than in other types of muscle tissue and are often called muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle…
Overview The term “dermatome” is a combination of two Greek words: “derma” meaning “skin” & “tome” meaning “cutting” or “thin segment”. Dermatomes are areas of the skin whose sensory distribution is innervated by afferent nerve fibers from the dorsal root of a single spinal nerve root, which is the portion of a peripheral nerve that…
Introduction The carpometacarpal (CMC) joints are five wrist joints that connect the distal row of carpal bones to the proximal bases of the five metacarpal bones. The CMC joint of the thumb is also referred to as the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. The carpometacarpal (CMC) joints connect the carpal (carpo-) and metacarpal (-metacarpal) bones of the…
What is a Central Nervous System? The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system are two subtypes of the nervous system. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes everything else. The central nervous system’s responsibilities involve receiving, processing, and responding to sensory information. Responses, sensations,…
Overview Your pelvic floor comprises muscles and connective tissues that support vital pelvic organs such as your bladder, gut (large intestine), and internal reproductive organs. Your pelvic floor muscles keep these organs in place while allowing you to move around and perform biological functions like peeing, pooping, and sex. Your pelvic floor muscles, along with…
Overview Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, veins, and tissues that protect you from infection and maintain a healthy fluid balance throughout your body. Your bone marrow, thymus, and lymph nodes are all lymphatic system organs. Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of both common infections, such as strep throat, and more serious…
What is Radial Wrist Deviation? The Wrist Joint is a complex and highly versatile structure that plays an important role in the movement of the hand. One of the important of the wrist is radial deviation, a movement that involves the hand moving laterally toward the thumb side of the forearm. This movement is an…
Introduction Muscles Of Mastication are a set of muscles that are responsible for the chewing movement of the jaw at the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint, they improve the eating process, help with food crushing, and also function to approximate the teeth. The four basic masticatory muscles originate from the surface of the skull and relate to…
