Search the Dictionary

line of division or intersection; as, the tendinous inscriptions, or intersections, of a muscle.

The point or part by which a muscle or tendon is attached to the part to be moved; -- in contradistinction to its origin. Epigynous insertion (Bot.), the insertion of stamens upon the ovary. -- Hypogynous insertion (Bot.), insertion beneath the ovary.

Pertaining to, or aiding, inspiration; as, the inspiratory muscles.

respiration, in which the chest is alternately enlarged and contracted by the intercostal muscles.

Between muscles; as, intermuscular septa.

s, the interseptal spaces or zones, between the transparent, or septal, zones in striated muscle; the interseptal chambers of a shell, or of a seed vessel.

Included wholly within an organ or limb, as certain groups of muscles; -- opposed to extrinsic. Intrinsic energy of a body (Physics), the work it can do in virtue of its actual condition, without any supply of energy from without. -- Intrinsic equation of a curve (Geom.), the equation which expresses the relation whic…

ontrol of the will; not voluntary; as, the involuntary movements of the body; involuntary muscle fibers.

by which they exhibit motion under suitable stimulation; esp., the property which living muscle processes, of responding either to a direct stimulus of its substance, or to the stimulating influence of its nerve fibers, the response being indicated by a change of form, or contraction; contractility.…

gan of sense, when its nerve is affected by some external body; esp., the act of exciting muscle fibers to contraction, by artificial stimulation; as, the irritation of a motor nerve by electricity; also, the condition of a muscle and nerve, under such stimulation.

The perception attendant upon the movements of the muscles. Bastian.

upon the patellar tendon of the knee, which causes a sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscle; one of the so-called tendon reflexes. -- Knee joint. See in the Vocabulary. -- Knee timber, timber with knees or angles in it. -- Knee tribute, or Knee worship, tribute paid by kneeling; worship by genuflection. [Obs.]…

upon the patellar tendon of the knee, which causes a sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscle.

A muscle of the human body. [Obs.] Chaucer.

ions all having the formula C3H6O3. Sarcolactic or paralactic acid occurs chiefly in dead muscle tissue, while ordinary lactic acid results from fermentation. The two acids are alike in having the same constitution (expressed by the name ethylidene lactic acid), but the latter is optically inactive, while sarcolactic a…

ccount of injury, defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a lame leg, arm, or muscle.

lar contraction, in which invisible preparatory changes are taking place in the nerve and muscle. (c) (Biol.) One of those periods or resting stages in the development of the ovum, in which development is arrested prior to renewed activity.

To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter. Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes…

A movement (usually involuntary) of the muscles of the face, particularly of the lips, with a peculiar expression of the eyes, indicating merriment, satisfaction, or derision, and usually attended by a sonorous and interrupted expulsion of air from the lungs. See Laugh, v. i. The act of laughter, which is a sweet contr…

That which loosens; -- esp., a muscle which by its contraction loosens some part.