Description

This muscle origin and insertion activity gives students something to hold while they learn one of anatomy’s trickiest topics. Each of the 20 muscle cubes shows the muscle’s name, origin, insertion, action, a real-life example, and a picture of its location, one fact per side. Students investigate each cube and complete the muscle origin and insertion table as they go. It’s student-led, so you’re free to help wherever students need it.

What’s Included

• 20 muscle cubes: latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, rectus femoris, external oblique, masseter, trapezius, gracilis, orbicularis oculi, sternocleidomastoid, soleus, orbicularis oris, tibialis anterior, serratus anterior, rectus abdominis, biceps brachii, gastrocnemius, deltoid, biceps femoris, triceps brachii, and gluteus maximus
• Student muscle origin, insertion, and action table
• Teacher answer key

What’s on each cube: 1) the muscle name, 2) its origin, 3) its insertion, 4) its action, 5) an example of the muscle at work, and 6) a picture of its location.

Good to Know

• Grades: high school anatomy
• Format: student-led, hands-on activity

See it in action:

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Related Resources

• Muscular System Notes
• The Muscular System Review Game
• Skeletal System Activities (Bones Lab)

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FAQ

Which muscles are included?
20 major muscles, from the deltoid and trapezius to the gastrocnemius and gluteus maximus.

What’s on each cube?
The muscle’s name, origin, insertion, action, a real-life example, and a picture of where it’s located.

Is there an answer key?
Yes, a teacher answer key for the student table.