MUSCULAR SYSTEM
The muscular system is a biological system in the human body composed of specialized tissues called
muscles. It is responsible for movement, posture, stability, and various essential bodily functions such as
breathing, blood circulation, and digestion. The muscular system works in coordination with the skeletal
and nervous systems to enable voluntary and involuntary actions.
TYPES OF MUSCLE
1. SKELETAL MUSCLES/ VOLUNTARY MUSCLES
Skeletal muscles are striated and voluntary, meaning they have a striped appearance under a microscope
and are consciously controlled. These muscles are responsible for all forms of voluntary movements such
as walking, running, and lifting objects. They also play a crucial role in stabilizing joints, maintaining
posture, and generating heat to regulate body temperature. Skeletal muscles are highly adaptable; they
grow stronger and larger with training and activity but can also weaken and shrink with disuse. These
muscles work in coordination, often in pairs, to create smooth and precise movements.
2. SMOOTH MUSCLES/ INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES
Smooth muscles are non-striated and involuntary. Unlike skeletal muscles, they are controlled
automatically by the autonomic nervous system. Smooth muscles are primarily responsible for regulating
internal bodily functions. They are found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach, intestines, and
blood vessels, where they control movements such as the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels
(vasoconstriction and vasodilation), the propulsion of food through the digestive system (peristalsis), and
the emptying of the bladder. Although they contract slowly compared to skeletal muscles, they are highly
efficient and capable of sustaining contractions over extended periods without fatigue.
3. CARDIAC MUSCLES
Cardiac muscles are unique to the heart and share characteristics of both skeletal and smooth muscles.
They are striated like skeletal muscles but are involuntary, functioning independently of conscious
control. Cardiac muscles are highly specialized for pumping blood throughout the body by generating
rhythmic and automatic contractions. They have a unique structural feature called intercalated discs,
which enable the rapid transmission of electrical impulses, ensuring the heart beats in a coordinated and
efficient manner. Cardiac muscles are incredibly durable, designed to work continuously without resting,
ensuring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues.
STRUCTURAL CLASSIFICATION OF MUSCLE
Muscles can also be classified based on the arrangement of their fibers, which determines their structure,
function, and efficiency in movement. The four common structural types of muscles are longitudinal,
quadrilateral, triangular or fan-shaped, and penniform or feather-like, each designed to fulfill
specific biomechanical roles in the body.
1. Longitudinal muscles are characterized by fibers running parallel to the long axis of the muscle,
forming a straight, strap-like structure. These muscles are designed for flexibility and allow for a
large range of motion, though they generate relatively less force compared to other types. Their
simple arrangement enables smooth, efficient movements, making them ideal for actions that
require elongation and precision. A well-known example of a longitudinal muscle is the
sartorius, the longest muscle in the human body, which assists in movements like hip flexion and
knee rotation.
2. Quadrilateral muscles, as the name suggests, have a flat, square, or rectangular shape with
fibers running parallel to each other. Their broad and uniform structure provides stability and
allows for controlled, multidirectional force application. These muscles are particularly suited for
movements that require both precision and moderate power, making them essential for stabilizing
joints or performing small, intricate actions.
An example of a quadrilateral muscle is the pronator quadratus, which helps in forearm
pronation by turning the hand downward.
3. Triangular or fan-shaped muscles have a wide origin and taper down to a narrow insertion
point, creating a triangular structure. This arrangement allows these muscles to generate
significant force due to their large area of origin while also enabling a wide range of movements.
Their design provides a balance between strength and flexibility, making them efficient for
pulling and stabilizing actions. An excellent example of a triangular muscle is the pectoralis
major, which is involved in movements like pushing and drawing the arms across the chest.
4. Penniform or feather-like muscles are characterized by fibers that attach obliquely to a central
tendon, resembling the structure of a feather. This arrangement can be further classified into
unipennate (fibers on one side of the tendon), bipennate (fibers on both sides of the tendon), and
multipennate (multiple tendons with fibers attaching to them). Penniform muscles are designed
for strength rather than range of motion, as their oblique fiber arrangement allows for packing
more muscle fibers into a given area, increasing their force-generating capacity.
A. Unipenniform muscles have fibers arranged on only one side of the central tendon, giving them
a half-feather-like appearance. This configuration allows for a higher packing of fibers into a
smaller area, increasing the muscle's ability to generate force. However, the oblique fiber
arrangement limits their range of motion compared to parallel muscles. Unipenniform muscles
are ideal for controlled and powerful movements where high force output is necessary. A prime
example is the extensor digitorum longus, located in the lower leg, which assists in dorsiflexion
of the foot and toe extension, critical for activities like walking or running.
B. Bipenniform muscles are characterized by fibers arranged on both sides of the central tendon,
forming a symmetrical, feather-like structure. This double-sided arrangement allows these
muscles to contain an even greater density of fibers compared to uni-penniform muscles, further
enhancing their force-generating capacity. Bipenniform muscles are particularly suited for
movements that require both strength and precision. For instance, the rectus femoris, part of the
quadriceps group, exemplifies this arrangement. It plays a key role in knee extension and hip
flexion, providing the power needed for activities like jumping or climbing.
C. Multi-penniform muscles are the most complex form, with multiple tendons running through the
muscle and fibers attaching diagonally to these tendons. This arrangement creates a highly
compact and powerful muscle structure capable of generating immense force. Multi-penniform
muscles are typically found in areas where stability and strong contractions are required. A
notable example is the deltoid muscle of the shoulder, which supports arm abduction, flexion,
and rotation, making it critical for lifting and upper body strength.
FUNCTIONS OF MUSCULAR SYSTEM
Muscles play different functional roles during movement to ensure smooth, coordinated, and efficient
motion. They work together dynamically, with each type of muscle assuming a specific responsibility.
These roles include movers (agonists), antagonists, stabilizers, synergists, and neutralizers. Each type
is crucial for maintaining balance, controlling movement, and ensuring stability during physical activities.
1. Movers or agonists are the primary muscles responsible for initiating and performing a specific
movement. They contract concentrically (shorten) to generate the force required to move a joint
or body part in the desired direction. Agonists are often referred to as the "prime movers" because
they are the main contributors to the motion. For example, in a bicep curl, the biceps brachii
acts as the agonist, contracting to flex the elbow and lift the weight.
2. Antagonists are the muscles that oppose the action of the agonist. They contract eccentrically
(lengthen) to control or slow down the movement, providing balance and precision while
preventing excessive motion or joint injury. Antagonists play a critical role in stabilizing
movements and ensuring smooth transitions. For instance, during a bicep curl, the triceps brachii
serves as the antagonist, lengthening to allow elbow flexion while maintaining control over the
joint.
3. Stabilizers, as the name suggests, are muscles that work isometrically (without changing length)
to provide support and maintain the stability of a joint or body segment during movement. They
act to prevent unwanted movement or displacement, allowing the prime movers and other
muscles to function effectively. A good example is the rotator cuff muscles, which stabilize the
shoulder joint during arm movements like throwing or lifting.
4. Synergists are muscles that assist the agonists by contributing additional force or reducing
unwanted motion. They work in coordination with the prime movers to refine the movement and
enhance its efficiency. Synergists ensure that the movement is smooth and controlled by
supporting the agonist's action. For example, in a bicep curl, the brachialis muscle acts as a
synergist to the biceps brachii, assisting in elbow flexion.
5. Neutralizers are muscles that counteract or neutralize any unwanted actions caused by the
agonists. When a muscle produces a movement, it may also generate secondary, undesired
motions. Neutralizers work to eliminate these unwanted actions, ensuring the movement remains
focused and precise. For instance, during a bicep curl, the pronator teres acts as a neutralizer,
preventing the forearm from supinating excessively as the biceps contract.
