vöðvahópar

Vöðvahópar, or muscle groups, refer to collections of muscles that work together to produce movement. These groups are often categorized by their primary function, such as flexion, extension, abduction, or adduction, and are located in specific areas of the body. Understanding muscle groups is fundamental in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science.

For example, the quadriceps femoris is a muscle group on the front of the thigh composed of four muscles: the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. Together, they extend the knee. Conversely, the hamstrings, located on the back of the thigh, are another muscle group comprising the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, which primarily flex the knee and extend the hip.

In training and rehabilitation, exercises are often designed to target specific muscle groups. This allows for focused development, strengthening, or recovery. When performing compound exercises, like squats or deadlifts, multiple muscle groups are engaged simultaneously, promoting overall strength and coordination. Conversely, isolation exercises target a single muscle or a very small group. Recognizing and understanding these functional groupings is crucial for effective physical activity and injury prevention.