There isn't one single "monkey muscle." The term is ambiguous and requires clarification. The references provided illustrate several ways the phrase might be interpreted:
1. Monkey Muscle as a Reference to Specific Muscles
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Plantaris Muscle: Many sources refer to the plantaris muscle, a small muscle in the human leg, also present in primates. The plantaris is described as one of the superficial muscles of the superficial posterior compartment of the leg (Wikipedia, PMC article). It's a relatively small muscle, and its function in humans is debated.
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Quadriceps Muscle: Research involving gene therapy to enhance muscle strength in cynomolgus macaque monkeys focused on the quadriceps (NPR article, PubMed article). This highlights how research on primate muscles informs our understanding of human muscle growth and function.
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Specific Muscles Involved in Movement: Studies on monkey motor cortex and muscle EMG synchronization explore the relationship between neural activity in specific cortical areas and the activation of particular muscle groups in the hand (PubMed article, ScienceDirect article). These investigations focus on the intricate networks controlling complex movements.
2. Monkey Muscle as a Reference to Primate Muscle Physiology
Studies comparing chimpanzee and human muscle demonstrate significant differences in maximum dynamic force and power output (PMC article). This highlights the variations in muscle physiology between primate species. Further research explores the regulation of muscle mass in primates, focusing on the roles of proteins like activin A and GDF8 (Nature article).
3. Monkey Muscle in the Context of Research and Medical Applications
Research utilizes monkeys as model organisms for understanding human muscle biology. Gene therapy experiments, for instance, aim to increase muscle strength in monkeys, with the goal of translating these findings into treatments for human muscle diseases (NPR article, PubMed article). Studies on cellular defects in monkey muscles can help illuminate the pathogenesis of muscular diseases (PubMed article).
In conclusion, "monkey muscle" is not a specific anatomical term but a broad descriptor referring to various aspects of primate musculature. The term's meaning depends heavily on the context.
