Muscular_System_

Muscular System

The system in the body responsible for producing movement, maintaining posture, generating heat, and other functions.

Main Function of the Muscular System

The main function of the muscular system is to produce body movement, maintain posture, generate heat, and perform various other functions.

3 Types of Muscles

The three types of muscles are cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and smooth muscle.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in the walls of the heart that contracts to circulate blood.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in organs and organ systems such as the digestive system and respiratory system.

Types of Muscle Shapes

Circular, convergent, fusiform, parallel, unipennate, bipennate, and multipennate are different shapes of muscles.

Circular Muscle Shape

Fascicles arranged in a circle around an opening, acting as sphincters to close the opening.

Convergent Muscle Shape

Broadly distributed fascicles that converge at a single tendon.

Fusiform Muscle Shape

Fascicles that lie parallel to the long axis of the muscle, with the belly of the muscle larger in diameter than the ends.

Parallel Muscle Shape

Fascicles that run in a straight line parallel to the long axis of the muscle.

Unipennate Muscle Shape

Fascicles on only one side of the tendon.

Bipennate Muscle Shape

Fascicles on both sides of the tendon.

Multipennate Muscle Shape

Fascicles arranged at many places around the central tendon, spreading out like feathers to many smaller tendons.

General Properties of Muscle Tissues

Excitability, contractility, extensibility, and elasticity are general properties of muscle tissues.

Excitability

The ability of muscle tissues to receive stimulation and respond to stimulation from nerves.

Contractility

The ability of muscle tissues to contract or shorten.

Extensibility

The ability of muscle tissues to be stretched without damage.

Elasticity

The ability of muscle tissues to return to their original shape and length after being extended or contracted.