Fusiform muscle

Definition
noun
A muscle that has a shape of spindle, which is being wider in the middle and narrowing towards both ends.
Supplement
Example of fusiform muscle is the biceps brachii.
Fusiform muscles are arranged in a strap-like fashion to provide the greatest degree of shortening, thus, enabling the muscle to produce quick and wide range of motion. However, compared with penniform muscle, they are not a very powerful type of muscle.
Word origin: Latin, fusus

Synonym: musculus fusiformis, spindle-shaped muscle.

Compare: penniform muscle.

See also: muscle.