CARDIAC MUSCLE

Cardiac Muscle can only be found in only one place in the body, which is the heart. The
heart pumps to disseminate blood into the blood vessels and to all the body tissue. Like skeletal
muscles, cardiac muscles also have striations. However, in cardiac muscle, there is only one
nucleus usually at the center. Cardiac muscle and Smooth muscle also have similarity, as they
are both involuntary and cannot be regulated intentionally.
The fibers of cardiac muscle are cushioned
by small amounts of soft connective tissue which
are arranged in spiral figure or in bundles. As the
heart contracts, its four chambers constrict to force
blood away into the arteries. Cardiac muscle fibers
are specialized branching cells connected by special
junctions called intercalated discs. These
connections have gap junctions that allow action
potentials to travel between cells. Some cardiac
muscle cells are autorhythmic, which means that the
heart generate its own pulses in response to
stimulation generated by a group of cells. Although
the cardiac muscle’s action potentials are comparable to those of nerve and skeletal muscle, they
differ in the duration of inactivity. The action potentials of cardiac muscles have a longer period
of unresponsiveness in comparison to the nerve and skeletal muscle.
I. Head and Neck Muscles
A. Neck Muscles
The neck muscles are responsible for the rotation and lateral flexion of the neck.
The muscles found at the neck are as follows:
1. Sternocleidomastoid (Lateral)- This muscle is located at the manubrium and
medial clavicle. It has the capability to contract alone; and it is also
responsible for lateral flexes of the head and the neck to the same side and to
rotate it to the opposite side. This muscle is the primary mover of the muscles
in the lateral group. The insertion of this muscle is at the mastoid process and
superior nuchal line; and the nerve comes from the accessory cranial nerve XI.
2. Scalene (Lateral)- The origin of this muscle is at the C2-C6, and the insertion
is at the first and second ribs of the body. The role of this muscle is to laterally
flex and rotate the neck. It also assists the sternocleidomastoid in neck flexion.
The nerve supply comes from the cervical and brachial plexuses.
3. Trapezius (Posterior)- The origin of this muscle is at the occipital
protuberance, nuchal ligament, and at the spinous processes of C7-T12. This
muscle allows the neck to extend and to laterally flex. The insertion is from
the clavicle, acromion process, and scapular spine. Same as the
sternocleidomastoid, the nerve of this muscle also comes from the accessory
cranial nerve XI.
4. Semispinalis capitis (Posterior)- This muscle’s origin is at the C4-T6, and the
insertion is at the occipital bone. This muscle also has a role in rotation and
extension of the neck. Same as the longissimus capitis and splenius capitis, the
nerve of this muscle also comes from the dorsal rami of cervical nerves.
5. Splenius capitis (Posterior)- It is found on the C4-T6, and the insertion is at
the superior nuchal line and mastoid process. This muscle allows the neck to
flex laterally, extend, and rotate. The nerve supply comes from the dorsal rami
of cervical nerves.
6. Rectus capitis posterior (Posterior)- It is found on the axis and atlas that
allows the neck to rotate and extend when turning the head. The insertion is at
the occipital bone and the nerve comes from dorsal ramus of C1.
7. Oblique capitis superior (Posterior)- The origin of this muscle is at the lateral
mass of the atlas. It is located at the upper back part of the neck that allows to
turn the head; it can also extend, rotate, and laterally flex the neck. The
insertion is from the occipital bone or the inferior nuchal line; and the nerve
supply comes from the Dorsal ramus of CT or at the suboccipital nerve.
8. Longissimus capitis (Posterior)- It is found on the upper thoracic and lower
cervical vertebrae. It is the portion of the longest muscle in the neck that is
responsible for the rotation of the head from side to side and the extension of
the head. The insertion is from the posterior of the mastoid process of the
temporal bone; and the nerve supply comes from the dorsal rami of spinal
nerves
 B. Facial Expressions
Our facial muscles control our facial expressions, which are important in non-
verbal communication. The facial muscles are skin-attached muscles that are mostly found on the
face and neck. Muscles of Facial Expression are the following:
1. Buccinator- This muscle is located horizontally across the cheeks. It flattens the
cheek when whistling or blowing a trumpet; and it compresses the cheek in order
to hold the food between the teeth when chewing.
2. Corrugator supercilii- This muscle is a frowning muscle, it draws the eyebrows
downward and medially, producing the vertical lines or wrinkles in between the
eyebrows.
3. Depressor anguli oris- A facial muscle for frowning since it depresses the outer
corners of the mouth.
4. Depressor labii inferioris- This facial muscle pulls the lower lip downward; this
also moves when a person is frowning or pouting.
5. Levator anguli oris- This muscle causes smiling
6. Levator labii superioris- This is a short pair of triangular muscle of the face that
elevates the upper lip to expose the teeth.
7. Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi- This muscle is located on the sides of
nostrils and upper lip which elevates the sides of the nose and some part of the
upper lip.
8. Levator palpebrae superioris- This muscle raises the upper eyelids to open the
eyes.
9. Mentalis- Pair of facial muscles located at the center of the chin. It raises the
lower lip to pout and causes wrinkles at the chin.
10. Nasalis- It is a pair muscle at the nose and nose bridge, which dilates the nostrils
and lowers the nostril wings laterally.
11. Occipitofrontalis- This muscle arches the brows and folds the skin of the
forehead.
12. Orbicularis oculi- This muscle is responsible for closing the eyelids and causes
the lines and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes.
13. Orbicularis oris- same with the buccinator, this muscle is a kissing muscle which
puckers the mouth.
14. Platysma- This muscle pulls the corners of the lower lip downward which causes
wrinkles to the part of the neck.
15. Procerus- This pyramid-shaped muscle is part of a nasal bone to the middle area
of the forehead which created a horizontal line between the eyes.
16. Risorius- This muscle causes smiling
17. Zygomaticus major- This muscle extending from the cheekbones elevates and
abducts the corners of the upper lip which causes smiling
18. Zygomaticus minor- This muscle works in smiling; it also elevates and abducts
the upper lip.
 C. Mastication/Chewing Muscles
In order to chew, or to masticate, one must forcibly close the mouth while
simultaneously breaking food between the teeth of the mandible. These functions are performed
by the mastication/ chewing muscles and hyoid muscles, which are located in the mouth.
I. Muscles of Mastication
1. Temporalis- This is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the
head located at the temporal fossa. It is responsible for elevating and
retracting the mandible posteriorly, as well as for excursion.
2. Masseter- It is a muscle at the zygomatic arch which has a role for
elevating and protracting the mandible anteriorly; and is also involved
in excursion.
3. Pterygoids
a.Lateral- This muscle depresses and protracts the mandible to
enable chewing and biting. It is also involved in excursion and
side to side movements of the jaw; it is located at the lateral
side of pterygoid plate and greater wing of sphenoid.
b. Medial-A major muscle that elevates and protracts the
mandible. It is also involved in excursion and side to side
movements which makes them part of the mastication muscles.
It is located at the medial side of pterygoid plate and tuberosity
of maxilla.
II. Hyoid Muscles
1. Supahyroid Muscles
a.Digastric- A pair muscle located at the mastoid process. It has a
role in retracting and depression of the mandible, as well as
elevating the hyoid which is needed when talking, chewing,
and swallowing.
b. Geniohyoid- This muscle protracts the hyoid and depresses
the mandible. It is located at the mental protuberance of
mandible.
c.Mylohyoid- When the hyoid is fixed, this muscle rises the floor
of the mouth and tongue while simultaneously depressing the
jaw. This muscle is located at the body of mandible.
d. Stylohyoid- The main role of this muscle is to elevate the
hyoid when swallowing; it is located at the styloid process.
2. Infahyoid Muscles
a.Omohyoid- This muscle depresses and fixes the hyoid when
opening the mouth for mastication. It is located at the superior
border of the scapula.
b. Sternohyoid- This muscle also has a role in depressing the
hyoid and fixing it when the mouth is opened. However, it is
located at the manubrium and the first costal cartilage.
c.Sternothyroid- It is responsible for depressing the larynx and
fixing the hyoid when the mouth is open. It is located at the
manubrium and at the first to second costal cartilage.
d. Thyrohyoid- This muscle is located at the thyroid cartilage
and is responsible for the depression of the hyoid. It also
elevates the thyroid cartilage and fixes the hyoid when the
mouth is open.
 D. Tongue Movements
During mastication and speech, the tongue plays a vital role because it facilitates
food movement in the mouth, aids in digestion, helps in swallowing, and allows the mouth to
change shape to make different sounds when speaking. There are two division of muscles in the
tongue, intrinsic muscles and extrinsic muscles.
I. Intrinsic Muscles- This muscle is commonly found within the tongue, and it is
responsible in changing the shape of it. Intrinsic muscle is named because of
the way their fascicles are arranged on the tongue.
II. Extrinsic Muscles- Muscles located outside of the tongue, it moves and helps
in changing the form of the tongue. This is named after their origin and
insertion.
1. Genioglossus- This muscle helps in depression and protrudes the
tongue when speaking or eating. It is located at the mental protuberance of
mandible.
2. Hyoglossus- It is vital for retraction and depression of the sides of
the tongue. This muscle is found at the hyoid.
3. Styloglossus- This muscle is responsible for the retraction of the
tongue; it is found at the styloid process of the temporal bone.
 4. Palatoglossus- This muscle elevates the tongue posteriorly and iis
located at the soft palate.

E. Swallowing and the Larynx

1. Larynx
a. Arytenoids- This muscle consists of oblique and transverse part, both has
a role in narrowing the opening to the larynx. They are both located at the
arytenoid cartilage.
2. Cricoarytenoids
a.Lateral- Similar to the arytenoids, this muscle narrows the opening to the
larynx. However, this is located at the lateral side of the cricoid cartilage.
b. Posterior- This muscle helps to widen the opening of the larynx,
and it is located at the posterior side of the cricoid cartilage.
3. Cricothyroid- It has a role for lengthening and tension of vocal cords, this
muscle is found at the anterior cricoid cartilage.
4. Thyroarytenoid- This muscle is the exact opposite of cricothyroid, as it
shortens and relaxes the vocal cords. This is found at the thyroid cartilage.
5. Vocalis- Similar to the thyroarytenoid, this muscle also shortens and provides
relaxation for the vocal cords. This is also found at the thyroid cartilage.
6. Soft Palate
a. Levator veli palatini- This muscle moves the soft palate upwards when
swallowing, it is found at the temporal bone and pharyngotympanic.
b. Palatoglossus- It is responsible for moving the posterior tongue
upwards and the narrowing of the fauces (the arched shape opening at the
back of the mouth). This is located at the soft palate
 c. Palatopharyngeus- This muscle also narrows the fauces, however, it is
responsible for the depression of the palate and elevation of the pharynx.
This can also be found at the soft palate, same with the palatoglossus.
d. Tensor veli palatini- This muscle has a role in opening the
auditory tube and tenses the soft palate of the mouth. It can be found at the
sphenoid and auditory tube.
e.Uvulae- This muscle is attached to the teardrop-shaped hanging down
from the roof of the mouth or known as the uvula. This plays a role in
moving the uvula upwards.
7. Pharynx
a.Inferior- This muscle narrows the lower portion of the pharynx when
swallowing, it is located at the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.
b. Middle- This muscle narrows the pharynx when swallowing,
which can be found at the hyoid and stylohyoid ligament.
c. Superior- It narrows the upper portion of the pharynx when swallowing.
This muscle is found at the medial pterygoid plate, mandible, floor of the
mouth, and the sides of the tongue.
8. Salpingopharyngeus- This muscle moves the pharynx upwards and helps in
opening the auditory tube in swallowing. This is located at the auditory tube.
9. Stylopharyngeus- This muscle has a role in elevation of the pharynx, which is
located at the styloid process.
 F. Movements of the Eyeball
It is feasible to see in a wide range of directions because the eyeball spins within
the orbit. The motions of each eye are controlled by six muscles, each of which is labeled
according to the location of its fascicles in relation to the eyes.
1. Oblique- The inferior and superior oblique’s insertion are both at the sclera of
the eye.
a. Inferior- This muscle moves the gaze in upward direction. Its origin is at
the orbital plate of maxilla.
b. Superior- This muscle lifts the posterior portion of the eyes,
causing the pupil to be directed inferiorly and the gaze downward. The
location of the origin is at the common tendinous ring
2. Rectus- Same as the superior oblique, all parts of the rectus origin at the
common tendinous ring and the insertion is located at the sclera of eye.
a.Inferior- This muscle of the eye has a role in the depression of the gaze.
b. Lateral- This muscle abducts the eyeball to look at the sides.
c.Medial- This muscle adducts the eyeball which allows the eyes to go back
to its original place and even to look towards the nose.
d. Superior- This muscle rotates the anterior part of the eyeball
superiorly, which allows the eyes to look in upward direction.
II. Trunk Muscles
The trunk muscles include those that (1) move the vertebral column, (2) thorax muscles
which regulates the breathing, (3) the muscles of the abdominal wall; and (4) the muscles of
pelvic diaphragm and perineum.
A. Muscles Moving the Vertebral Column
The muscle in the vertebral column allows it to move such as extension, lateral
flexion, and rotation. These muscles classified into two groups: superficial and deep
group. The role of the muscles in superficial group is to connect the vertebrae to the ribs,
while the deep group is the one that joins the vertebrae together.
1. Erector spinae (Superficial)- A group of muscles that moves the vertebral column
and help to maintain an erect posture.
a.Iliocostalis- This muscle is located lateral to the longissimus; it is divided
into three.
i. Cervicis- It extends, flex laterally, and rotate the vertebral column;
It is located at the superior six ribs.
ii. Thoracis- It extends, flex laterally, and rotate the vertebral column;
It is located at the inferior six ribs.
iii. Lumborum- It extends, flex laterally, and rotate the vertebral
column; It is located at the ilium, lumbar vertebrae, and sacrum.

b. Longissimus- This muscle is located lateral to the spinalis

muscles.
i. Capitis- This muscle has a role in extending the head, which is
located at the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebrae of the
body.
ii. Cervicis- This muscle has a role in extending the neck, which is
located at the upper thoracic vertebrae
iii. Thoracis- This muscle has a role in extending the vertebral column
itself; it is located at the lower thoracic vertebrae and the ribs.

c. Spinalis
i. Cervicis- This muscle in vertebral column helps in extending the
neck; it is located specifically at the C6-C7.
ii. Thoracis- This muscle helps in extending the vertebral column
itself; it is located at the T11-L2.

d. Semispinalis
i. Cervicis- This muscle helps in extending the neck, it is located at
the transverse processes of T2-T5.
ii. Thoracis- This muscle helps in extending vertebral column, it is
located at the transverse processes of T5-T11.
 iii. Splenius cervicis- This muscle helps in extending and rotating the
neck, it is located at the spinous processes of C3-C5.
2. Interspinales (Deep)- This muscle helps in
extending the neck and the back, it is located at
the spinous processes of the entire vertebrae.
3. Intertransversari (Deep)- This muscle is
involved in the lateral flex movement of the
vertebral column; it is located at the transverse
processes of the entire vertebrae.
4. Multifidus (Deep)- This muscle is involved in
the extending and rotation of the vertebral
column; it is located at the transverse processes
of the vertebrae and the posterior area of the
sacrum and ilium.
5. Psoas minor (Deep)- This muscle is involved in
the flexes of the vertebral column; it is located
specifically at the T12-L1.
6. Rotatores (Deep)- This muscle is involved in
the extending and rotating of vertebral column; it is also located at the transverse
processes of the entire vertebrae.
B. Thoracic Muscles
The thoracic muscles are primarily responsible for breathing regulation. The muscles
are connected to the rib cage and assist in the passage of air into the lungs. The changes in
the diameter of the rib cage are critical in determining the amount of air that exits the lungs.
1. Diaphragm- Muscle that is responsible for normal, quiet breathing. This muscle is
dome-shaped, but it flattens when it contracts. It is located at the interior of the
ribs, sternum, and lumbar vertebrae.
2. Intercostals
a.External- Muscles that elevated the ribs during quiet, resting inhalation. It
is located at the lower margin of each rib.
b. Internal- Together with Transversus thoracis, these muscles are
responsible for the depression of the ribs during forces exhalation. It is
located at the upper margin of each rib.
3. Scalene- Muscles that elevates the first two ribs during more forceful inhalation.
a.Anterior- This part of the scalene is responsible for elevating the first rib.
It is located at the transverse processes of C3-C6.
b. Medial- Same with the anterior, this part of the scalene is
responsible for elevating the first rib. It is located at the transverse
processes of C3-C6.
c.Posterior- This part of the scalene is responsible for elevating the second
rib; it is located at the transverse processes of C4-C6.
C. Abdominal Wall
The muscle of the abdominal wall consists of crisscross layering to create a strong
anterior wall; this is important as it is responsible for the protection of the abdominal
viscera. Additionally, anterior wall must be exceptionally strong since it is not
supported by any bone.
1. Rectus abdominis (Anterior)- This is a long muscle in the anterior wall, which is
commonly known as the abs muscle. It is responsible for the flexes of the vertebral
column and compression of the abdominal wall. This muscle is found at the pubic
crest and symphysis pubis.
2. External abdominal oblique (Anterior)- This is a pair of muscle found at the lateral
sides of the abdominal wall, specifically at the 5th-12th ribs. It is responsible for the
flexion and rotation movements of the vertebral column; this muscle also helps in
the compression of the abdominal wall and depression of the thorax.
3. Internal abdominal oblique (Anterior)- This muscle is also important to produce
movements in the vertebral column, such as flexion and rotation. Same with the
internal abdominal oblique, this muscle assists in the compression of abdominal
wall and the depression of the thorax. This is located at the Iliac crest, inguinal
ligament, and the lumbar fascia.
4. Transversus adbominis (Anterior)- This muscle is located at the 7th-12th costal
cartilages, lumbar fascia, iliac crest, and the inguinal ligament. The role of this
muscle is compressing the abdominal wall.
5. Quadratus lumborum (Posterior)- This muscle helps in the lateral flexes of the
spine and the depression of the 12th rib; it is located at the iliac crest and the lower
lumbar vertebrae.
D. Pelvic Diaphragm and Perineum
I. Pelvic Diaphragm
1. Coccygeus- The triangular-shaped of muscle located at the ischial spine. This
muscle forms the pelvic floor and supports the organs in the pelvis.
2. Levator ani- A thin muscle located at the posterior pubis and the ischial spine.
It is responsible for elevating the anus and helps in supporting the organs in
the pelvis
II. Perineum- Diamond-shape area beneath the pelvic diaphragm
1. Urogenital triangle- The anterior half of the perineum.
a. Bulbospongiosus- This muscle in male is responsible for the compression
of the penis, excretion of the urine and semen, and erection of the penis; it
is located at the central tendon of the perineum and median raphe of the
penis. In females, this muscle is responsible for the erection of the clitoris;
it is located at the central tendon of the perineum.
 b. Ischiocavernosus- Muscle that is responsible for the compression of the
base of the penis or the clitoris. It is located at the ischial ramus.
c. External urethral sphincter- Muscle that constricts the urethra in order to
stop the flow of urine. This is found at the pubic ramus.
2. Transverse perineal muscle
a. Deep- Muscle that provides support for the pelvic floor; it is located at the
ischial ramus.
b. Superficial- Muscle that is responsible for the fixation of the central
tendon which is also found at the ischial ramus.
3. Anal triangle- The posterior half of the perineum.
a. External anal sphincter- Muscle that keeps the opening of the anal canal
close and relaxes during the discharge of the feces from the body. It is
located at the coccyx.