In anatomy, what is the origin of a skeletal muscle?

• A. The point where a motor neuron synapses with a muscle fiber (neuromuscular junction)
• B. The attachment site that remains relatively stationary during muscle contraction, typically on the more proximal bone
• C. The attachment site that moves toward the other attachment during muscle contraction, typically on the more distal bone
• D. The connective tissue sheath that surrounds the entire muscle (epimysium)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in anatomy, the term 'origin' of a skeletal muscle refers to one of the two attachment points of the muscle to bones or structures.
2. Recall that the origin is typically the attachment site that remains relatively stationary when the muscle contracts, meaning it does not move much during muscle action.
3. Recognize that the origin is usually located on the more proximal bone, which is closer to the center of the body, compared to the insertion which is on the more distal bone.
4. Differentiate the origin from the insertion, which is the attachment site that moves toward the origin during contraction.
5. Note that the other options, such as the neuromuscular junction or connective tissue sheaths like the epimysium, describe different anatomical features and are not related to the definition of the muscle origin.