The Muscular System
Major Function
The major function of the muscular system is to provide the body with movement. It enables the body to move place to place, and it helps to move individual body parts. Other functions include stability, control of body openings, and heat production. Fun Facts
-Muscles account for about 40% of human body weight -The largest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus -Muscles contract more when you shiver -Walking requires over 200 muscles to work -There are over 600 muscles in the body Diseases
Muscular Dystrophy: A genetic disease that damages muscle fibers, causes weakness, loss of mobility and lack of coordination Rhabdomyolysis: Rapid skeletal muscle destruction; muscle fibers break down into myoglobin, and is released into the urine. This can lead to kidney failure. Fibromyalgia: An inflammatory and degenerative muscular system disease. Causes pain, fatigue, and tenderness/stiffness of the muscles. |
Major Organs
The major organs of the muscular system are the muscles found throughout the body. The most common are skeletal muscles, which function in moving the body. Three Types of Muscle
Cardiac Muscle: This type of muscle is only found in the heart, cells are connected through intercalated discs, and it is involuntary and striated Skeletal Muscle: This type of muscle is found on muscles that are attached to the bones by tendons, and they function to help the body move. It is voluntary and striated Smooth Muscle: This type of muscle is found in the blood vessels, arteries, and the digestive tract. It often contracts to move things through; regulates blood pressure and passes food through the digestive system. It is involuntary and not striated. |