The type of muscle shown in the image is identified as Multipennate. To understand why this is the correct answer, it is important to recognize the structural characteristics of a multipennate muscle compared to other types:
Cruciate: This term typically refers to a type of ligament rather than a muscle arrangement.
Multipennate: These muscles have multiple rows of diagonal muscle fibers, with a central tendon that branches. This structure is reminiscent of a feather's multi-branch arrangement, which allows for greater force generation due to the high density of fibers.
Parallel: These muscles have fibers aligned parallel to the line of pull, which allows for a greater range of motion but less force compared to pennate muscles.
Unipennate: A single row of muscle fibers attaches obliquely to a central tendon. This arrangement increases force production but not to the extent of multipennate muscles.
Multipennate muscles, like the deltoid, showcase this branching pattern, making them distinct in maximizing force production due to their intricate fiber arrangement.
