PSI Barbering Practice Exam

The part of the muscle that moves and is farthest from the skeleton is known as what?

1. Origin

2. Insertion

3. Fascia

4. Contractile unit

The correct answer is: Insertion

The insertion is the part of the muscle that is attached to the movable bone and is situated farthest from the skeleton. It is where the muscle tendons connect to the tissue on the bone that moves when the muscle contracts. The insertion plays a crucial role in muscle movement because, when the muscle contracts, it pulls on the insertion point, causing movement at the joint where it is located. In contrast, the origin refers to the fixed point of attachment, which typically remains stationary during muscle contraction, while the insertion's movement causes the corresponding action. Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds muscles, helping to support and protect them but does not directly relate to the muscle's movement. The contractile unit, often called a sarcomere, is the basic functional unit of muscle fibers but does not describe the physical part of the muscle responsible for movement in relation to bone.