Muscle

Muscles are a type of soft tissue found in the human body. They are responsible for producing force and causing motion, as well as maintaining posture and generating heat. There are three main types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.

Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones by tendons and are under voluntary control. They are responsible for movement and are striated, meaning they have a striped appearance when viewed under a microscope.

Smooth Muscle

Smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. They are involuntary and are responsible for functions such as peristalsis and regulating the diameter of blood vessels.

Cardiac Muscle

Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It is involuntary and has a striated appearance similar to skeletal muscle.

Study Guide

1. What are the three main types of muscles?
2. Describe the characteristics of skeletal muscle.
3. Where are smooth muscles found and what functions do they perform?
4. What is the function of cardiac muscle?
5. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscle control?

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