Muscular system

Muscular System

The Muscular System is an organ system consisting of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body, maintains posture, and circulates blood throughout the body. The muscular system in vertebrates is controlled through the nervous system, although some muscles (such as the cardiac muscle) can be completely autonomous.

Structure

The muscular system is made up of over 600 muscles, which are all made of a type of elastic tissue. Each muscle consists of thousands, or tens of thousands, of small musculus fibers. Each muscle fiber is about 40 micrometers in diameter.

Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle, also known as voluntary muscle, is anchored by tendons (or by aponeuroses at a few places) to bone and is used to effect skeletal movement such as locomotion and in maintaining posture.

Smooth Muscle

Smooth muscle is an involuntary non-striated muscle. It is divided into two subgroups; the single-unit (unitary) and multiunit smooth muscle.

Cardiac Muscle

Cardiac muscle is an involuntary striated muscle that is found in the walls and histological foundation of the heart, specifically the myocardium.

Function

The main function of the muscular system is movement. Muscles are the only tissue in the body that has the ability to contract and therefore move the other parts of the body.

Diseases and Disorders

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the muscles. These can range from common strains and sprains, to more serious conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

See Also

• Muscle tissue
• Muscle contraction
• Muscle hypertrophy

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