Human Muscles in 3D: How Muscles Move the Body
Muscles move the body by pulling on bones. There are over 600 of them, from the big muscles of the legs to the tiny ones that move your eyes. In the 3D Anatomy simulator you can show the muscles on their own and turn the body to see how they wrap around the bones.
Explore in 3DMuscles quick facts
| Skeletal muscles | Over 600 |
|---|---|
| Types | Skeletal, smooth and cardiac |
| Largest muscle | Gluteus maximus, in the buttock |
| Smallest muscle | Stapedius, in the ear |
| How they move | They pull, never push |
Interesting facts about muscles
- Muscles can only pull, so they work in pairs, like the biceps and triceps in the upper arm.
- Skeletal muscles move bones and are under your control.
- Smooth muscle in the gut and blood vessels works on its own.
- Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and never gets tired the way other muscles do.
- Tendons are tough cords that join muscles to bones.
What you can do in 3D
Switch to the Muscles layer to see the muscles on their own, turn the body to see front and back, then switch on the skeleton to see what they pull on.
More body systems in 3D
Tap any part to open its page.
Muscles questions
How many muscles are in the human body?
There are over 600 skeletal muscles in the human body.
What are the three types of muscle?
Skeletal muscle, which moves bones, smooth muscle in organs and blood vessels, and cardiac muscle in the heart.
What is the largest muscle?
The gluteus maximus, the big muscle in the buttock.
Why do muscles work in pairs?
Muscles can only pull. One muscle bends a joint and its partner straightens it again, like the biceps and triceps.
What joins muscles to bones?
Tendons, which are strong, tough cords of tissue.
The 3D Anatomy simulator is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. This page is for learning and is not medical advice.