Belly

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, specifically within the muscular system, the belly refers to the central, bulging part of a muscle that contracts and expands during movement. It is where the muscle fibers are thickest and generates the force for muscle action.

Related terms

Skeletal muscles: These are muscles attached to bones that contract to facilitate movement of the skeleton.

Fascicle arrangement: This refers to the grouping of muscle fibers within a muscle, which can affect the muscle’s strength and range of motion.

Lever systems: A biomechanical system involving bones acting as levers, joints acting as fulcrums, and muscles providing the effort to produce movement