MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Muscular System

The system in the body responsible for movement, heat production, protection, and effects on other systems.

Rectus Abdominis

A muscle that protects the internal organs of the trunk.

Sliding Filament Model

The mechanism by which muscles contract and move, involving the interaction between myosin and actin filaments.

Myofibril

Multiple repeating sarcomeres that make up the muscle fiber.

Sarcomere

The contractile unit of a muscle that enables movement, made up of myofilaments.

Muscle Fiber

Bundles of myofibrils and individual cells.

Fasciculus

Multiple muscle fibers bundled together.

Axial Musculature

Muscles associated with the vertebral column, characterized by a distinct folded pattern for generating force.

Myotomes

Segments of axial musculature that work together to generate force for swimming in fish.

Myosepta

Structures that separate the myotomes in fish musculature.

Appendicular Musculature

Muscles associated with the limbs and girdles, used for locomotion and stabilization.

Tetrapod Musculature

Musculature in four-limbed vertebrates, with reduced axial muscles and prominent appendicular muscles.

Trapezius, Rhomboideus, Pectoralis, Serratus Ventralis

Muscles in the pectoral girdle that provide trunk support and bear the weight of the organism.

Salamanders

An exception in tetrapod musculature, where axial muscles are not reduced.