Accessory muscle
An accessory muscle is a relatively rare anatomic duplication of a muscle that may appear anywhere in the muscular system. Treatment is not indicated unless the accessory muscle interferes with normal function.[1] Examples are the sternalis muscle, accessory soleus muscle, extensor digitorum brevis manus and epitrochleoanconeus muscle.
An accessory muscle can also refer to a muscle that is not primarily responsible for movement but does provide assistance.[1] Examples of such muscles are the accessory muscles of inspiration where the sternocleidomastoid and the scalene muscles (anterior, middle and posterior scalene) are typically considered accessory muscles of breathing.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b "accessory muscle". Farlex. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- ^ Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy 3rd ed. Icon Learning Systems. Teterboro, New Jersey 2003 - plate 191
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