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There are about 600 muscles in the human body, which help us move, breathe, swallow, and stay alive. The three main types of muscle tissue are skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and allow movement, smooth muscles are located in the walls of hollow visceral organs, and cardiac muscles are located in the walls of the heart. The brain, nerves, and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement, which is known as the neuromuscular system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscle types | 3 |
| Muscle tissue types | Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth |
| Skeletal muscle composition | Actin, Myosin, Troponin, Tropomyosin |
| Skeletal muscle appearance | Striated |
| Skeletal muscle control | Voluntary |
| Skeletal muscle function | Movement, Posture, Metabolism |
| Cardiac muscle composition | Actin, Myosin, Troponin, Tropomyosin |
| Cardiac muscle appearance | Striated |
| Cardiac muscle control | Involuntary |
| Cardiac muscle function | Blood propulsion, Oxygenation, Cell maintenance |
| Smooth muscle composition | Actin, Myosin |
| Smooth muscle appearance | Smooth, Non-striated |
| Smooth muscle control | Involuntary |
| Smooth muscle function | Contractile force, Content propulsion |
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What You'll Learn
Skeletal muscle
The tissue of a skeletal muscle is striated – having a striped appearance due to the arrangement of the sarcomeres. A skeletal muscle contains multiple fascicles – bundles of muscle fibres. Each bundle of muscle fibre is called a fasciculus and is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the perimysium. Within the fasciculus, each individual muscle cell, called a muscle fibre, is surrounded by connective tissue called the endomysium.
The sarcolemma is a tubular sheath that encases and defines each muscle fibre, forming a barrier between extracellular and intracellular compartments. The sarcolemma is comprised of a plasma membrane and a polysaccharide coating that fuses with tendon fibres. Invaginations within the sarcolemma are termed transverse tubules (T tubules), which function as a major location for ion exchange.
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Cardiac muscle
The primary function of cardiac muscle is to pump blood into circulation by generating enough force. The contractile functions of the heart require ATP, which can be obtained from various substrates, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and ketones. The concentration of calcium in the cardiomyocytes determines how much force is generated with each contraction. Cardiac muscle cells can increase contractility through beta-1 adrenergic receptors, which, when stimulated, increase intracellular cAMP, leading to increased contraction.
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Smooth muscle
The shape of smooth muscle cells is fusiform, with narrow ends and a wider middle, and they are shorter than skeletal muscle cells. They are anchored to the surrounding connective tissue and group together in branching bundles. Smooth muscle cells contract more slowly than skeletal muscle cells but are stronger and require less energy. They are also capable of sustaining contractions for longer periods.
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Voluntary vs involuntary muscles
The human body has two main types of muscles: voluntary and involuntary. Each plays a crucial role in our movement and internal functions.
Voluntary muscles, such as the biceps and quadriceps, are under conscious control, allowing us to move and perform actions. They receive signals from the somatic nervous system, enabling conscious movement. These muscles exhibit rapid contraction and relaxation compared to involuntary muscles, but they also tire quickly and require regular intervals of rest. They are typically striated, meaning they have a striped appearance under a microscope.
Involuntary muscles, on the other hand, work autonomously without conscious thought. They are primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system and control essential functions like digestion, heartbeat, and breathing. These muscles are smooth, lacking striations, and can work tirelessly without tiring. They are involved in the movements of internal organs and aid in the passage of fluids and food in the digestive system.
The cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart, is an example of an involuntary muscle. It is composed of individual heart muscle cells called cardiomyocytes, which are joined together by intercalated discs. The contraction of cardiac muscle differs from that of skeletal and smooth muscles, as it is controlled by both the autonomic nervous system and its own pacemaker cells, causing it to contract automatically and rhythmically.
The interplay between voluntary and involuntary muscles showcases the complexity and adaptability of the human body, ensuring we can move, breathe, and digest seamlessly.
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Muscle fibres
There are several types of muscle fibres, each with different characteristics. Skeletal muscle fibres, for example, are attached to bones and are responsible for skeletal movements. They are striated, having a striped appearance due to the arrangement of sarcomeres. Skeletal muscle fibres can be further classified into type 1 and type 2 fibres, with type 2 fibres having subtypes 2A and 2B. Type 1 fibres utilize oxygen to generate energy for movement and have a higher density of mitochondria, making them appear dark. Type 2A fibres can also use oxygen to generate energy but contain fewer mitochondria, making them lighter in appearance. Type 2B fibres, on the other hand, do not use oxygen and instead store energy for short bursts of movement, resulting in an even lighter appearance.
Cardiac muscle fibres, found in the heart, have their own rhythm and are branched and interconnected. They are also striated and have unique pacemaker cells that generate impulses for contraction, facilitating the beating of the heart.
Smooth muscle fibres, located in the walls of hollow visceral organs (excluding the heart), have a non-striated, spindle shape. They are under involuntary control and contract slowly and rhythmically.
The number and type of muscle fibres an individual possesses vary, and their characteristics can be influenced by training. For example, endurance training can increase the endurance level of fast-twitch fibres, although they will never be as fatigue-resistant as slow-twitch fibres. Additionally, muscle fibres can adapt to changing demands by altering their size or fibre type composition, forming the basis for physical therapy interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
Skeletal muscles are the most common type of muscle in the body, making up between 30% and 40% of your body mass. They are attached to the bones of the skeletal system and are under voluntary control. Skeletal muscles help with breathing, eating, and moving your bones.
Cardiac muscles are a type of muscle tissue found only in the heart. They are self-contracting, autonomically regulated, and must contract in a rhythmic fashion for the whole life of the organism. Cardiac muscles are under involuntary control.
Smooth muscles are found in the walls of hollow visceral organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. They are under involuntary control.
Some examples of skeletal muscles include shoulder muscles, hamstring muscles, abdominal muscles, calf muscles, thigh muscles, and neck muscles.
