INTRODUCTION TO MUSCLES

Functions

Movement Stabilization of Joints Posture Thermogenesis

Three Types

Cardiac Muscle

Smooth Muscle

Skeletal Muscle

Cardiac Muscle

Found only in heart Involuntary Branching, striated Intercalated discs –

special cell junctions that allow heart muscles to coordinate contractions

Smooth Muscle

Mainly in walls of hollow organs Involuntary Nonstriated Peristalsis – wavelike motion of contraction

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary – only type that makes up the “muscular system”

Found in skeletal muscles attached by tendons to bone

Striated, multinucleate

Connective Tissue Wrappings

Endomysium – wraps each muscle fiber

Perimysium – wraps bundles of fibers called fascicles

Epimysium – surrounds whole muscle

What can you identify?