Which list correctly names the three parts of a muscle?

• A. Belly, Origin, and Insertion
• B. Belly, Tendon, and Insertion
• C. Insertion, Origin, and Fascia
• D. Belly, Insertion, and Origin

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is that a muscle is described by three parts: the belly, where the muscle’s bulk contracts; and the two attachments—origin and insertion. The origin is the attachment that remains relatively fixed during contraction, while the insertion is the attachment that moves toward the origin as the muscle shortens. A list that includes belly, insertion, and origin covers all three parts, and the order of those terms doesn’t matter for naming the parts. The other options introduce tissue terms such as tendon or fascia, which are not considered the three main parts of a muscle itself, so they don’t fit the prompt.