Science
Fact Checked

What is Myology?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Myology is the study of muscles. A number of medical practitioners integrate some myology into their training, because understanding the musculoskeletal system is key to addressing many health issues, and myology is also a topic of interest for massage therapists, personal trainers, and physical therapists who work with the muscles on a daily basis. For people with a casual interest in the muscular structure, a number of bookstores carry books which have overviews of the muscles and their functions.

When discussing the study of human muscles, people usually just say “human myology.” For other types of living organisms, a qualifier is inserted, as in avian myology, the study of bird musculature. The muscle structure in different animals is radically different, reflecting different skeletal structures, lifestyles, habits, and functions. For example, both cats and humans have a trapezius muscle, but the muscle looks radically different in these different animal species.

Some students learn about myology through dissection.
Some students learn about myology through dissection.

A myologist looks at the physical structure of muscles, studying the different kinds of muscle fibers, the shape of healthy muscles, the nerves which innervate various muscles, the functions of specific muscles, and the connections between different muscle groups. Also of interest are degenerative diseases involving the muscles, recovery from muscle injury, the results of mytomy procedures in which muscles are cut, and the impact of nervous system disorders on muscle function. Myologists can also study specific muscle groups, as in oral myology, which is used to understand the muscles of the face and throat with the goal of helping people correct speech disorders.

Myologists may study weakened or diseased muscle tissue under a microscope to learn more about the cause.
Myologists may study weakened or diseased muscle tissue under a microscope to learn more about the cause.

Training in myology is an important part of medical education, and of education for many allied health professionals including bodyworkers. Some students learn about musculature through dissection, in which they have an opportunity to personally examine the inner workings of the musculoskeletal system, while others may learn from textbooks, prosections, interactive anatomy software, and other tools, depending on financial or ethical restrictions.

Myology will be a topic of interest for massage therapists.
Myology will be a topic of interest for massage therapists.

Biopsy samples taken from muscles which appear to be weak or disordered may also be of interest to a myologist. These samples can be examined under a microscope to look at the cells, determine which types of muscle fiber are present, and find out whether or not abnormalities are present in the muscle. Many myologists are also very interested in the activities which build up or reduce muscle, applying their knowledge to training programs for athletes and people recovering from muscular injuries or surgeries in which the muscles were damaged.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

sweetPeas

I have an interest in muscles and exercise. It's just a personal interest, but I try to put what I learn about muscles to practical use. It's interesting that most men develop more muscle mass than women because of the level of testosterone. Yet women can train and become very strong and not have bulging muscles.

I've also learned that it's really true that you lose it if you don't use it. And it doesn't take long for your muscles to start to atrophy, if you become inactive.

Many trainers believe that you should weight train, maybe three times a week, and rest your muscles in between sessions. This works well to develop muscles without over-doing.

If you look back at our ancient ancestors, they were always on the move, using all their muscles. Our bodies weren't meant to be couch potatoes.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Some students learn about myology through dissection.
      By: oocoskun
      Some students learn about myology through dissection.
    • Myologists may study weakened or diseased muscle tissue under a microscope to learn more about the cause.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Myologists may study weakened or diseased muscle tissue under a microscope to learn more about the cause.
    • Myology will be a topic of interest for massage therapists.
      By: Tandem
      Myology will be a topic of interest for massage therapists.
    • Myology is the study of muscles.
      By: high_resolution
      Myology is the study of muscles.
    • A myologist is concerned with the different kinds of muscle fibers.
      By: Balint Radu
      A myologist is concerned with the different kinds of muscle fibers.
    • A myologist may apply their knowledge to athletes recovering from muscular injuries.
      By: Shakzu
      A myologist may apply their knowledge to athletes recovering from muscular injuries.