Muscle attachments define the direction, speed and strength of movement. The attachment could either be indirect or direct depending on the functions of the joint at that point. Each category of attachment is defined by different features that must be understood. The distinction requires more scrutiny since some can only be differentiated using microscopic instruments.

An indirect attachment is characterized by muscles that seem to end just before the point where the bone should attach. The bone and muscles are separated by tendons. These tendons are made of sheets, theick or fibrous bands. The sheets are referred to as aponeurosis. They are connective in nature and strong enough to hold the bone and the muscles together.

A direct attachment is characterized by an apparent connection between the bone and muscles. The bone seems to be the origin of all the muscles around without a tendon space in between. There are fibers in between, but they can only be seen using a microscope. These fibers are collagen in nature.

Movement is facilitated by coordinated working of muscles around. Their interconnection with bones produces and directs movement. The ends of muscles are referred to as insertion and origin. The thick part in between forms the belly which expands and contracts to cause action. The necessity for different movements justifies the presence of different types of muscles in particular areas.

The intrinsic muscles stand out among the others because its origin and insertion are located within the belly of a muscle. They play a specific role on the part of the body where they are found. Action is a word used to describe the effect muscles have on movement in the body. Each group is connected to another leading to coordinated activity within the body.

The body contains different categories of muscles explaining the behavior and functions of the body. The classes are antagonist, agonist, fixators and synergist. They work in distinct ways allowing actions to be coordinated.

Agonists are credited for producing huge forces in the body. This unique feature has earned them the name prime movers. They are responsible for basic body movement. Synergists work together with agonist to restrict, direct and coordinate their actions. One agonist requires a group of synergists to effectively function. They support directed motion.

Antagonists oppose movement and force produced by agonist. They are responsible for determining the speed and range of movement in the body. This combination is referred to as an antagonistic pair because they work in opposite directions. This offers speed, coordination and direction to actions.

Fixator muscles are specific on the movement of bones. They ensure that the bones remain in place and do not make any movement that could damage the frame. Such restriction is necessary in preventing dislocations and excessive strain on any body part. It is the coordination of different types and categories of muscles that leads to proper and healthy movement.

There are different forms of muscle attachments depending on the level of movement at a particular part of the body. Classification allows a learner to identify and appreciate each attachment. More than one type of attachment may be manifest in a particular area.