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The human body contains around 600 muscles, which work by contracting and relaxing to cause movement. This movement is triggered by the brain, nerves and skeletal muscles working together as part of the neuromuscular system. Messages from the nervous system cause muscle contractions, which are fuelled by glucose from carbohydrates in our diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How is muscle movement triggered? | The brain, nerves and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement. This is collectively known as the neuromuscular system. |
| How does the neuromuscular system work? | The brain sends a message to the motor neurones, triggering the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals. The muscle responds to acetylcholine by contracting. |
| How do muscles contract? | A message travels from the nervous system to the muscular system, triggering chemical reactions. The chemical reactions lead to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle. |
| How do muscles relax? | When the nervous system signal is no longer present, the chemical process reverses, and the muscle fibres rearrange again and the muscle relaxes. |
| What is the role of calcium ions? | The sodium influx sends a message within the muscle fibre to trigger the release of stored calcium ions. |
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![Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology, the Mechanism of Muscular Movement. ... 2D Ed., Thoroughly Rev., Illustrated with L97 Engravings. 1919 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The neuromuscular system
The brain sends a message to the motor neurones, which plug directly into the skeletal muscle. The point of contact between the two is called the neuromuscular junction. The message triggers the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals, and the muscle responds by contracting.
The nervous system generates a signal, an impulse called an action potential, which travels through a type of nerve cell called a motor neuron. This causes a chemical reaction, leading to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle. When the nervous system signal is no longer present, the chemical process reverses, and the muscle fibres rearrange again, causing the muscle to relax.
The sodium influx also sends a message within the muscle fibre to trigger the release of stored calcium ions. To work properly, muscle tissue needs particular minerals, electrolytes and other dietary substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
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The role of the brain
The brain, nerves and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement. This is known as the neuromuscular system. The brain sends a message to the motor neurons, which triggers the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals. The muscle responds to acetylcholine by contracting. This process is known as the mechanism of muscle contraction.
The brain is responsible for generating the initial signal that triggers muscle movement. This signal, known as an action potential, travels through a type of nerve cell called a motor neuron. Each muscle is serviced by between 50 and 200 (or more) branches of these specialised nerve cells. The tip of each branch is called a presynaptic terminal, and the point of contact between the presynaptic terminal and the muscle is called the neuromuscular junction.
The brain's role in muscle movement is to initiate the process by sending a message to the motor neurons. This message triggers a series of chemical reactions that lead to muscle contraction. The brain's involvement in this process ensures that movement is coordinated and controlled.
The neuromuscular system allows for both voluntary and involuntary movement. Voluntary movement is made consciously, while involuntary movement occurs without our conscious awareness. For example, the process of giving birth involves the contraction and relaxation of muscles, which is controlled by the neuromuscular system but occurs without conscious effort.
The brain's role in muscle movement is essential for maintaining posture, balance, and coordination. It allows for precise control over muscle contractions, ensuring that movements are smooth and efficient. Damage to the brain or the neuromuscular system can result in impaired movement or paralysis.
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The role of nerves
The neuromuscular system is the collective term for the brain, nerves and skeletal muscles working together to cause movement. Each muscle is serviced by between 50 and 200 (or more) branches of specialised nerve cells called motor neurones, which plug directly into the skeletal muscle. The point of contact between the nerve and the muscle is called the neuromuscular junction.
The brain sends a message to the motor neurones, triggering the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals. The muscle responds to acetylcholine by contracting. This contraction is caused by chemical reactions that lead to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle. When the nervous system signal is no longer present, the chemical process reverses, and the muscle fibres rearrange again, causing the muscle to relax.
The nervous system generates a signal, an impulse called an action potential, which travels through the motor neurone to the muscle. The sodium influx that occurs during this process also sends a message within the muscle fibre to trigger the release of stored calcium ions.
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The role of skeletal muscles
The brain, nerves and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement. This is known as the neuromuscular system. The brain sends a message to the motor neurons, triggering the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals. The skeletal muscles then respond to acetylcholine by contracting or relaxing to cause movement. This movement may be voluntary, meaning the movement is made consciously, or involuntary, done without our conscious awareness.
There are about 600 muscles in the human body, and they have a range of functions, from pumping blood and supporting movement to lifting heavy weights or giving birth. To work properly, muscle tissue needs particular minerals, electrolytes and other dietary substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The process of muscle contraction can be summarised in three steps:
- A message travels from the nervous system to the muscular system, triggering chemical reactions.
- The chemical reactions lead to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle—that’s the contraction.
- When the nervous system signal is no longer present, the chemical process reverses, and the muscle fibres rearrange again and the muscle relaxes.
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The chemical acetylcholine
When acetylcholine is released, the muscle responds by contracting. This contraction is caused by chemical reactions that lead to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle. The process of muscle contraction can be summarised in three steps. First, a message travels from the nervous system to the muscular system, triggering chemical reactions. Second, the chemical reactions lead to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle—that is, the contraction. Third, when the nervous system signal is no longer present, the chemical process reverses, and the muscle fibres rearrange again, causing the muscle to relax.
Muscle movement can be either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary movement is made consciously, while involuntary movement is done without our conscious awareness. For example, the movement of muscles in the heart is involuntary.
Muscles have a range of functions, from pumping blood and supporting movement to lifting heavy weights or giving birth. To work properly, muscle tissue needs particular minerals, electrolytes and other dietary substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The sodium influx also sends a message within the muscle fibre to trigger the release of stored calcium ions.
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Frequently asked questions
The brain, nerves and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement. The brain sends a message to the motor neurones, triggering the release of the chemical acetylcholine from the presynaptic terminals. The muscle responds to acetylcholine by contracting.
The nervous system generates a signal, which travels through a type of nerve cell called a motor neuron. This triggers chemical reactions, leading to the muscle fibres reorganising themselves in a way that shortens the muscle. This is known as a contraction.
Voluntary movement is made consciously, whereas involuntary movement is done without our conscious awareness.
