Muscle Tissue

Muscle tissue is a specialized type of tissue that is responsible for movement in the body. There are three main types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Skeletal muscle tissue is attached to the bones of the skeleton and is under voluntary control. It is striated, meaning it has a striped appearance when viewed under a microscope. Skeletal muscle tissue is responsible for voluntary movements such as walking, running, and lifting objects.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Cardiac muscle tissue is found in the walls of the heart and is responsible for the rhythmic contractions of the heart that pump blood throughout the body. It is also striated but is involuntary, meaning it contracts without conscious control.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Smooth muscle tissue is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. It is non-striated and is also involuntary. Smooth muscle tissue is responsible for movements such as peristalsis in the digestive system and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.

Study Guide

1. What are the three main types of muscle tissue?
2. Which type of muscle tissue is responsible for voluntary movements?
3. Where is cardiac muscle tissue found in the body?
4. What is the function of smooth muscle tissue?
5. Describe the appearance of skeletal muscle tissue under a microscope.

Understanding muscle tissue is important for understanding how the body moves and functions. By learning about the different types of muscle tissue and their functions, you can gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and efficiency of the human body.