WHY BICEPS ARE CALLED BICEPS
WHY BICEPS ARE CALLED BICEPS
Have you ever wondered why the muscle on the front of your upper arm is called the biceps? It's not because it has two heads, as the name might suggest. In fact, the biceps brachii muscle has three heads: the long head, the short head, and the coracobrachialis. So, why the name "biceps"?
A Brief History of the Biceps
The term "biceps" comes from the Latin word "biceps," which means "two-headed." This name was probably given to the muscle because it appeared to have two distinct heads when viewed from the front. However, as we now know, the biceps actually has three heads.
The first recorded use of the term "biceps" in English was in 1541, when it was used by the anatomist Thomas Geminus in his book "De Humani Corporis Fabrica." Geminus was one of the first anatomists to accurately describe the structure of the biceps muscle.
The Three Heads of the Biceps
The biceps brachii muscle is located on the front of the upper arm. It is a thick, spindle-shaped muscle that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. The biceps brachii muscle is responsible for flexing the elbow joint and supinating the forearm (turning the palm up).
The three heads of the biceps brachii muscle are:
- Long head: The long head of the biceps brachii muscle originates on the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula (shoulder blade). It is the longest of the three heads and it crosses the shoulder joint.
- Short head: The short head of the biceps brachii muscle originates on the coracoid process of the scapula. It is the shortest of the three heads and it does not cross the shoulder joint.
- Coracobrachialis: The coracobrachialis muscle is a small muscle that is located deep to the short head of the biceps brachii muscle. It originates on the coracoid process of the scapula and it inserts on the humerus (upper arm bone).
Why Do We Have Biceps?
The biceps brachii muscle is an important muscle for performing a variety of everyday tasks, such as lifting objects, pushing doors open, and writing. It is also a muscle that is often targeted by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.
The biceps brachii muscle is a powerful muscle that can generate a lot of force. This makes it an ideal muscle for performing tasks that require strength and power.
How to Build Bigger Biceps
If you want to build bigger biceps, there are a few things you can do. First, you need to focus on exercises that target the biceps brachii muscle. Some good exercises for building biceps include bicep curls, hammer curls, and preacher curls.
Second, you need to lift heavy weights. If you want to build muscle, you need to challenge your muscles with heavy weights. However, it is important to lift weights that are challenging but not too heavy. If you lift weights that are too heavy, you can injure yourself.
Third, you need to eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will help you to build muscle and recover from your workouts. Make sure to eat plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Conclusion
The biceps brachii muscle is an important muscle for performing a variety of everyday tasks. It is also a muscle that is often targeted by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. By following the tips in this article, you can build bigger biceps and improve your overall fitness.
FAQs
Q: Why are biceps called biceps?
A: The term “biceps” comes from the Latin word “biceps,” which means “two-headed.” This name was probably given to the muscle because it appeared to have two distinct heads when viewed from the front.
Q: How many heads does the biceps muscle have?
A: The biceps brachii muscle has three heads: the long head, the short head, and the coracobrachialis.
Q: What is the function of the biceps muscle?
A: The biceps brachii muscle is responsible for flexing the elbow joint and supinating the forearm (turning the palm up).
Q: How can I build bigger biceps?
A: To build bigger biceps, you need to focus on exercises that target the biceps brachii muscle, lift heavy weights, and eat a healthy diet.
Q: What are some good exercises for building biceps?
A: Some good exercises for building biceps include bicep curls, hammer curls, and preacher curls.
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