Attachment
Insertio
Definition
A muscle attachment is the specific site where a muscle connects to bone, cartilage, fascia, or skin, typically through a tendon or aponeurosis. These attachments anchor the muscle and allow it to exert force to produce movement or maintain stability.
Muscles generally have two main attachments
Origin: The fixed or less mobile attachment, usually proximal in the limbs.
Insertion: The more mobile attachment, typically distal in the limbs.
When a muscle contracts, the insertion moves toward the origin, producing movement at a joint.
Depending on anatomical position, attachments may also be described as medial or lateral, superior or inferior, or proximal or distal relative to the body’s midline or axis.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.
