The text discusses the importance of muscles for older men, emphasizing the roles of Seratus Major and Obliquus Externus in respiration. Key concepts include the mechanics of breathing and how muscles like the diaphragm contribute to chest and lung function. The Seratus Major is described as performing similar functions to bellows, indicative of its method of action, and visual references are suggested.
Muscles and Their Functions
For older men, maintaining good health and posture is essential. It is believed that the back’s condition is less prone to issues due to thicker and more resilient skin. 36. The greater muscle known as Seratus Major works together with the Obliquus Externus to assist in inhalation by lifting and expanding the chest, thus allowing for greater lung capacity. Although other muscles are involved in this process, these two are the most significant ones in this context. Muscles in the abdomen, chest, and diaphragm are also essential for efficient breathing; as we inhale, the abdomen slightly swells, the chest expands, and the lungs enlarge. Conversely, when we exhale, everything retracts. Experiments, like those conducted on a dog with exposed abdominal muscles, show significant functionality even in such conditions.
Those who wish to understand the necessity and mechanics of inhalation and exhalation can study bellows as a model of action. The mentioned Seratus Major arises from the base of the shoulder blade and descends from the axilla to insert in the 3rd through 8th ribs, like a coarse saw, hence its name as the “great saw-tooth.” Refer to illustrations A and B for visuals.
37. The Obliquus Externus is the secondary muscle to assist in breathing and moving ribs, similar to the Seratus Major. It starts from the top of the pubic bone and iliac crest and continues outward.
Translation Notes
Seratus Major and Obliquus Externus are muscle names likely represented by their respective scientific terms in modern anatomy. 'Middelschot' refers to the diaphragm.