The Anatomy and Physiology of the Muscular System

By: Shane DooleyAudience: Anyone wanting to know more about the muscles in the

human body

Definition of Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy- the study of structure

• Physiology- the study of function

Look at us go!

Muscular System

• Muscles in the body provide many different things to the body:

• Strength• Balance• Posture• Movement• Heat for the body to

keep warm

Muscle Types

• There are three types of muscles in the body

• Cardiac muscle• Skeletal Muscle• Smooth Muscle

Muscle TypeCardiac Muscle

• Cardiac muscle is found in the walls of the heart• It is an involuntary striated muscle• The cardiac muscles move blood out of the atria and

ventricles to the blood vessels• The cardiac muscles, just like the other two types of

muscles need blood to deliver oxygen to them and remove wastes from them like carbon dioxide

Cardiac Muscle

Muscle TypeSkeletal Muscle

• Skeletal muscle is a part of the somatic nervous system

• It is a voluntary muscle• Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by

collagen fibers known as tendons• Skeletal muscles are made of up muscle fibers• There are three different types of skeletal

muscles/ muscle fibers

Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal MuscleMuscle Fiber Types

Type I Fibers Type II a Fibers Type II b Fibers

Contraction Time

Slow Twitch Fast Twitch Very Fast Twitch

Activity Used for Aerobic (Long

Distance Running)

Long Term Anaerobic

Short Term Anaerobic (Sprinting)

Muscle TypeSmooth Muscle

• Smooth muscle is an involuntary muscle• It is found within the walls of blood vessels,

small arteries, arterioles and veins• Smooth muscles are broken down into two

sub groups: single unit and multiunit

Smooth Muscle

Smooth Muscle Types

Single Unit• Single unit smooth muscle is

innervated by the autonomic nervous system

Multiunit• Multiunit smooth muscle

innervates individual cells meaning it is very similar to motor unit recruitment in skeletal muscles

Muscle Injuries

• Muscle injuries can happen to anyone • Athletes are more susceptible to a muscle injury• For more information follow this link:• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/muscle_strain

/article_em.htm

Stretching

• Even though there are different types of muscles, it is extremely important to stretch them all so that an injury does not occur

• Stretching is the easiest and most important way to keep from injuring a muscle

• There are two types of stretching: static and dynamic

Types of Stretching

Dynamic Stretching• This type of stretching

should be done before a workout

• This stretching increases range of movement, blood and oxygen flow to the muscles

• When done properly, dynamic stretching helps to reduce the risk of injury

Static Stretching• Used when the body is at

rest, or cooling down• Hold stretch for

approximately 30 seconds• Static stretching allows for

the muscles to relax and to be stretched at a greater length, making you more flexible

Muscles of the Body

Muscles of the Head

Muscles of the Upper Body

Muscles of the Arms

Muscles of the Legs