Unipennate muscle

Musculus unipennatus

  • Latin synonym: Musculus semipennatus
  • Synonym: Semipennate muscle
  • Related terms: Semipennate muscle; Unipennate muscle

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

A unipennate muscle is a type of pennate skeletal muscle in which the muscle fibres are arranged obliquely on one side of a central tendon, resembling half of a feather.

Anatomically, unipennate muscles are designed for strength and endurance rather than a wide range of motion.

Example

  • Palmar interossei (hand) — adduct the fingers toward the midline of the hand.

References

  • Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.