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There are several types of muscles in the female body, including cardiac, smooth, and skeletal. The pectoralis major is the major muscle in the chest, and the pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the internal organs, such as the bladder, bowels, and womb. The pelvic floor muscles also include the puborectalis, which forms a continuous sling behind the rectum. The female body also contains the trapezius and rhomboid major muscles, which aid in shoulder movement, and the latissimus dorsi muscle, which helps the arms rotate and move toward and away from the body. There are also sex-based differences in skeletal muscle kinetics and fiber-type composition, with females typically having higher type-I and lower type-IIA and type-IIx fiber composition compared to males.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of muscles in mammals | Cardiac, smooth, and skeletal |
| Most abundant tissue in the human body | Skeletal muscle |
| Female muscle composition | 35% more MyHC-I/β, 30% less MyHC-IIa, and 15% less MyHC-IIx mRNA than male muscle |
| Female pelvic floor muscles | Support internal organs such as the bladder, bowels, and womb |
| Female chest muscles | Pectoralis major, trapezius, rhomboid major, and latissimus dorsi |
| Female arm muscles | Biceps and brachialis |
| Female bodybuilders | Face societal expectations and pressure to conform to traditional gender norms |
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What You'll Learn
Female pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that form the base of the core muscles. They stretch from the pubic bone at the front of the body to the tailbone (coccyx) at the back, and from one sitting bone (ischial tuberosity) to the other. The pelvic floor muscles in women support the bladder, bowel, and uterus (womb). The urethra (urine tube), anus (back passage), and vagina all pass through the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor muscles help stabilise the core while assisting with essential bodily functions, like pooping, peeing, and having sex. They also help the body absorb outside pressure (from lifting, coughing, etc.) in a way that protects the spine and organs. Pelvic floor muscles also help control bowel and bladder function (continence). They hold the major organs in the pelvis in place and protect them.
Pelvic floor muscles can weaken over time due to injury, trauma, childbirth, surgery, and even the normal aging process, leading to conditions like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. However, they can be strengthened and trained with regular, targeted exercise. Pelvic floor exercises can be done in various positions, such as sitting, lying down, standing, walking, or bending.
To locate your pelvic floor muscles, you can squeeze the vaginal opening, urethra, and anus. In each case, you should feel muscles inside your pelvis pull inward and upward. These are your pelvic floor muscles.
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Differences in skeletal muscle kinetics
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body. There are sex-based differences in skeletal muscle kinetics, which are likely to be the result of differences in gene expression. Over 3,000 genes have been identified as being differentially expressed between male and female skeletal muscle.
One notable difference is that male skeletal muscles generally have faster contraction and relaxation times and higher maximum power output than female muscles. Conversely, female muscles are more fatigue-resistant and recover faster during repeated contractions. This may be due to the presence of testosterone in males, which has pro-hypertrophic/anabolic effects on skeletal muscle. Additionally, male muscles have a higher proportion of Type 2 fast-twitch fibres, which can expand and contract rapidly with great force but fatigue more quickly.
The role of hormones in these differences has been explored. For example, thyroid hormone (T3) can regulate MyHC gene expression, and estrogen has been shown to exert effects on the musculoskeletal systems. In terms of specific muscles, the male masseter is comprised of nearly 80% type-IIA fibres, whereas the female masseter contains only around 50%. In the soleus, MyHC-IIa expression is higher in males (58%) than in females (36%), and a similar pattern is seen in the tibialis anterior (TA) (39% in males vs. 25% in females). However, in the plantaris, IIa expression is higher in females (37%) than in males (16%).
The differences in skeletal muscle kinetics between males and females are complex and likely influenced by a combination of hormonal, genetic, and physiological factors. Further research is needed to fully understand these differences and the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Female chest muscles
The chest muscles in women are primarily made up of two key muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle that covers a significant part of the chest. It originates from the collarbone, the sternum, and the cartilage of the first six ribs, and attaches to the upper arm bone (humerus). This muscle is responsible for various movements, including flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint, as well as bringing the arms closer to the body. It is the most superficial muscle in the pectoral region and can be seen from the outside.
The pectoralis minor, on the other hand, is a smaller, triangular muscle that lies underneath the pectoralis major. It originates from the third to fifth rib and attaches to the coracoid process of the scapula. The pectoralis minor assists in key functions such as supporting breathing by helping to lift the ribs and expand the chest. This function is particularly important during physical exertion or deep breathing.
Other muscles in the pectoral region include the serratus anterior, located in the rib cage, which keeps the shoulder blade against the chest wall and helps rotate the shoulder blade upward; the deltoid, which gives the shoulder its rounded shape and raises and rotates the arm; and the subclavius, located in the anterior chest wall.
It is important to strengthen and stretch the chest muscles to improve posture, prevent injury, and increase physical performance and overall health. Some exercises to achieve this include standing in a doorway with arms outstretched to the sides, holding the door frame and leaning forward; and placing a foam roller on the floor, lying on top of it with the head resting on the roller, bending the knees, and shifting the arms out to a T position.
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Female bodybuilders
The media and pop culture, such as comic books and superhero movies, also play a role in shaping societal ideals. Male superheroes are often depicted with bulging biceps, while female superheroes are portrayed with curvy figures and smaller shoulders. These depictions reinforce the idea that excessive muscularity in women deviates from the accepted standard of beauty.
Despite the challenges and judgements they may face, female bodybuilders showcase the complexity of femininity and strength. They demonstrate that women can be powerful and muscular while also embracing their unique beauty and individuality. It is important to respect their dedication to their sport and acknowledge the multidimensional aspects of their identities.
Photographers and artists, such as Martin Schoeller, have captured the strength and complexity of female bodybuilders in their work. By presenting intimate portraits, they challenge existing notions of celebrity, value, and honesty, inviting viewers to question their own perceptions and judgements.
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Female superheroes
Marvel Comics, for instance, has introduced a diverse range of female superheroes with powerful physiques and extraordinary abilities. One of the most iconic female superheroes in the Marvel Universe is She-Hulk, known for her incredible muscular build, brute strength, and mental acuity. America Chavez, also known as Miss America, possesses a hard-bodied physique with superhuman strength, enabling her to perform feats of interdimensional travel. Dani Moonstar, a mutant archer associated with the New Mutants and X-Force, is also described as "super ripped."
Shannon Carter, the cousin of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter, is another notable example of a powerful female superhero. She has served as a leader and member of the New Avengers and embodies the ideals of her idol, Captain America. Silver Sable, a mercenary in the Marvel Universe, is known for her chiselled body, achieved through years of martial arts training and a military lifestyle. These characters challenge societal norms and showcase that muscle in women can be empowering and a symbol of strength.
While the representation of muscular women in popular culture is improving, there is still a perceived conflict between the "performance body" and the "appearance body" experienced by female athletes. They may feel the need to compensate by restraining their physical training to avoid a body that could be perceived as "too muscular" by societal standards. This highlights the complex relationship between muscularity and femininity, where muscle gains in women are often viewed through a different lens than in men, showcasing the double standards that exist within societal expectations of female bodies.
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Frequently asked questions
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the internal organs, such as the bladder, bowels, and womb. These muscles work both automatically and under conscious control, helping to maintain bladder and bowel control.
The pectoralis major is a large fan-shaped muscle stretching from the armpit to the collarbone and down across the lower chest. The trapezius is another muscle that extends across the neck, shoulder, and back, allowing for movement of the shoulders and shoulder blades.
Pelvic floor exercises typically involve a "squeeze and lift" motion of the muscles around the back and front passages. Women should aim for three sets of ten slow and ten fast squeezes per day, holding each squeeze for up to ten seconds.
