DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What is the term for the more mobile part of a muscle that moves towards the origin?

1. A) Body

2. B) Insertion

3. C) Tendon

4. D) Origin

The correct answer is: B) Insertion

The more mobile part of a muscle that moves towards the origin is referred to as the insertion. This term indicates the point where the muscle attaches to the more movable bone, allowing movement to occur when the muscle contracts. The insertion is significant because it is where the action of the muscle is primarily exerted, in contrast to the origin, which remains fixed during contraction. Understanding the distinction between these two points is essential in anatomy and physiology, as it helps clarify how muscles interact with the skeletal system to facilitate movement. In this context, the other terms do not accurately describe the mobile portion of a muscle engaged during movement: the body generally refers to the main mass of the muscle, tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, and origin refers to the fixed attachment point of the muscle. Therefore, the term insertion precisely captures the essence of the muscle's action during movement.