General Features of Muscles

Structural Composition of Muscles

Muscles are essential components of the human body that facilitate movement, stability, and posture. They consist of specialized cells called muscle fibers, which contract and relax to generate force.

Types of Muscle Tissue

Skeletal Muscle: Voluntary muscles that enable body movements.
Cardiac Muscle: Found exclusively in the heart, responsible for rhythmic contractions.
Smooth Muscle: Located in the walls of internal organs and blood vessels, controlling involuntary movements.

Muscle Structure

Each muscle comprises bundles of fibers organized into fascicles, which are surrounded by connective tissue layers such as the epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium.

Function and Importance

Muscles play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including respiration, digestion, and circulation, alongside their primary function of movement.