The external oblique muscle is named based on which aspect of the muscle?

• A. The direction of its fibers
• B. The shape of the muscle
• C. Its location in the forearm
• D. The number of its origins

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the naming conventions of muscles in Anatomy. Muscles are often named based on characteristics such as the direction of their fibers, their shape, location, number of origins, or function.
2. Step 2: Analyze the external oblique muscle. This muscle is part of the abdominal wall and is named 'oblique' because its fibers run diagonally (obliquely) relative to the midline of the body.
3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, 'Its location in the forearm' is incorrect because the external oblique is located in the abdominal region, not the forearm.
4. Step 4: Consider the option 'The shape of the muscle.' While some muscles are named for their shape (e.g., deltoid for triangular shape), the external oblique is not named for its shape.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'The direction of its fibers,' as the external oblique muscle is named based on the diagonal orientation of its fibers.