Notes: Muscle Types & Function

(1) Types of Muscle

• Skeletal

• Cardiac

• Smooth

Cardiac Muscle

Skeletal Muscle

Smooth Muscle

(2) Skeletal Muscle

• Physical Characteristics:– Long cells– Whole muscle has striations

• Type of Movement:– Voluntary– Allows overall body mobility– Contracts fast w/great force, tires fast also

• Location:– On top of bones & connecting them

(3) Cardiac Muscle

• Physical Characteristics:– Branched cells– Whole muscle has striations

• Types of Movement:– Involuntary– Steady, consistent movement– Heartbeat (rate gauged by nervous system)

• Location:– heart

(4) Smooth Muscle

• Physical Characteristics:– Long cells– Whole muscle NOT striated

• Type of Movement:– Involuntary– Slower, yet consistent movement– Forces fluids & solids through channels

• Location:– Digestive & excretive organs– Respiratory passageways

(5) Muscle Function

• Produce movement– Bones = attachment points– Internal organs (move nutrients, waste, etc.)

• Maintain posture– Unique to Bipedalism

• Stabilize joints– Allows for wider range of movement and use of

force

• Generate heat– During contraction