How to Make a 3D Model of the Muscular System
Muscles provide the ability to move. The human body has 300 individual muscles divided into three types. Smooth muscles perform the involuntary movements of inner organs, such as bowel movements. Striped muscles are the skeletal muscles that provide voluntary movement and locomotion. The cardiac muscle is the heart. A 3D model of the muscular system might not show the smooth and cardiac muscles. A large model will provide more opportunity to label specific muscles and groups.
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Things You'll Need
- Large sheet of foam (2 inches thick)
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Diagram of muscular system, front and back
- Red modeling foam
- White modeling foam
- Glue
- Yardstick
- Colored paper
- Pen
Instructions
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1
Make the base for attaching the muscle groups. Lay a person down on top of the sheet of foam. Trace around the body with the pencil. Cut out the 'person' from the foam with the utility knife.
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2
Review the muscular system diagram for the front. The diagram is divided into halves along the spine to allow for the display of layers of muscles. Follow this example with the model if a detailed diagram is desired. The left side will show the muscles closest to the skin. The right side can show the muscles closest to the bone. A less detailed model might show only the surface groups of muscles on both the left and right side of the body.
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3
Roll the red foam into long, snakelike rolls. Follow the diagram to place these rolls in muscle groups and lay on the "body" as appropriate. Add from the center of the body outward placing muscle groups on top of each other as needed. Complete the torso first then move to the arms and legs. Once the muscles all have been added in place, review for errors before gluing them in place. Add the white connective tissue if desired using the white foam. Allow the glue to dry completely before turning the body over to work on the back.
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4
Repeat the same process of rolling red foam and applying to the back of the person. Follow the diagram closely and glue the muscles in place. Stand the model upright. If it will not stand on its own prop it up with a yardstick inserted at an angle in the back of the model.
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5
Add labels to the model. Draw small circles on the colored paper and write a number inside of each. Cut out the circles and glue to the various muscle groups on the model. Create a list of the numbers on a separate sheet of colored paper and label each number with the correct name of the muscle or group of muscles.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a child as a model for cutting out the body. The smaller size will be easier to stand upright.
References
- Photo Credit muscle rear image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
