MUSCULAR SYSTEM
GROUP 3
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Identify the three main types of
muscle tissue.
Identify the functions of the muscular
system.
Differentiate the types of muscle
contraction
TYPES OF MUSCLES
The muscular system is a complex network of tissues responsible for
movement, stability, and various bodily functions. It consists of three main
types of muscle tissue.
Skeletal Muscles Cardiac Muscles Smooth Muscles
SKELETAL MUSCLES
Structure: Skeletal muscles consist of elongated,
cylindrical fibers that are multinucleated and display a
striped appearance known as striations. These muscles
are connected to bones through tendons.
Control: These muscles are under voluntary control,
meaning that movements are consciously regulated by the
nervous system.
Function: Skeletal muscles play a crucial role in body
movements like walking, lifting, and maintaining posture.
Additionally, they produce heat when contracting, aiding in
regulating body temperature.
Examples: Some examples of skeletal muscles include the
biceps brachii, quadriceps, and pectoralis major.
CARDIAC MUSCLE
Structure: Cardiac muscle fibers are striated,
branched, and interconnected by intercalated
discs which facilitate synchronized contraction.
They are usually mononucleated.
Control: Involuntary control, regulated by the
autonomic nervous system and hormones.
Function: Pumps blood throughout the body by
contracting the heart.
Location: Found exclusively in the walls of the
heart.
SMOOTH MUSCLES
Structure: Smooth muscle fibers are non-striated,
spindle-shaped, and contain a single nucleus.
Control: Involuntary control, regulated by the
autonomic nervous system, hormones, and local
factors.
Function: Moves substances through the body's
internal passageways, regulates the diameter of blood
vessels, and controls the contraction of organs such
as the stomach, intestines, and bladder.
Examples: Muscles in the walls of the digestive tract,
blood vessels, and urinary bladder.
HOW DO MUSCLES WORK?
Movement
Action Relaxation
Excitement The contraction of
Muscles respond by Following contraction,
Signals from your brain muscles applies force on
contracting upon muscles relax to prepare
prompt muscle bones, leading to
receiving the signals. for the next action.
activation. movement.
COMPONENTS OF MUSCLE
STRUCTURE
MUSCLE FIBER
MYOFIBRILS
FASICLE
Cylindrical structures with
Bundles of muscle fibers.
contractile proteins.
SARCOLEMMA MYOFILAMENTS
Cell membrane of muscle Actin and myosin filaments
fibers. responsible for contraction.
SARCOPLASM
Cytoplasm containing SARCOMERE
organelles such as Functional contractile unit.
mitochondria, and
endoplasmic reticulum
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
SHEATH
EPIMYSIUM
PERIMYSIUM
The thick outermost layer of
A layer of connective tissue that
connective tissue that surrounds the
surrounds bundles of muscle fibers
entire muscle, providing support and
called fascicles.
protection.
ENDOMYSIUM
The innermost layer of connective
tissue that surrounds individual
muscle fibers.
TENDONS
Connect muscles to bones
Transmit force generated by muscle
contraction to bones
Provide stability and allow for precise
movements
OTHER COMPONENTS
Blood Vessels Nerves
Supply oxygen and nutrients Innervate muscle fibers,
to muscle fibers and remove allowing for voluntary control
waste products. of muscle contraction.
Motor Neurons
Motor Unit
Specialized nerve cells that
A motor neuron and all the
transmit signals from the brain
muscle fibers it innervates.
and spinal cord to muscle
fibers, triggering contraction.
Neuromuscular Junction
The site where a motor neuron
connects with a muscle fiber
MUSCLE CONTRACTION
Muscle contraction involves a complex mechanism centered around
the interaction of actin and myosin filaments.
Mechanism of Contraction:
1. An action potential triggers the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
2. Calcium ions enable attractive forces between actin and myosin filaments.
3. These filaments slide alongside each other, causing contraction
Actin and Myosin Interaction:
Calcium ions facilitate the binding of actin and myosin
This interaction leads to the sliding filament mechanism
TYPES OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION
1. Isometric: Tension changes without length 2. Isotonic: Constant tension with no length
change change
Muscles contract without changing Constant muscle tension without length
length change
Tension changes, but muscle length Occurs when contraction force matches
remains constant total load on muscle
4. Eccentric: Muscle lengthens while
3. Concentric: Muscle shortens as it overcomes decelerating a joint.
load These contractions are controlled by recruiting
Muscles shorten as they contract motor units and altering their firing rates
Note: some sources mention “isolytic” contraction instead of isotonic, where an external force lengthening
the contraction muscles
MUSCLE AND AGING
EFFECTS OF AGING ON STRATEGIES FOR
MUSCLE MASS AND MAINTAINING MUSCLE
STRENGTH (SARCOPENIA): MASS IN OLDER ADULTS:
•Loss of muscle mass and strength begins as •Engage in regular resistance training.
early as 30s.
•Ensure adequate protein intake to support
•Caused by reduced motor neuron function, muscle repair and growth.
mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased protein
synthesis. •Incorporate functional exercises to
. improve balance and coordination.
•Leads to frailty, reduced mobility, and increase
risk of falls.
IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AND
NUTRITION FOR AGING MUSCLES:
•Strength training and aerobic exercise slow muscle loss and improve
function.
•A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports muscle health.
•Address potential nutrient deficiencies to optimize muscle
maintenance.
Muscle disease and disorder
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
Example: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
• A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle
weakness and degeneration due to defective genes involved
in muscle growth and repair. Duchenne MD is the most
common type, mainly affecting boys and leading to loss of
mobility over time.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Example: Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (affects the eye
muscles)
A chronic autoimmune disorder where the body's
immune system mistakenly attacks the communication
between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle
weakness and fatigue, especially in the eyes, face, and
throat.
Muscle Cramps
Example: Leg cramps during sleep (nocturnal leg cramps)
Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that cause pain,
often due to dehydration, lack of minerals (like potassium or
magnesium), or muscle fatigue from overuse.
Tendinitis
Example: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Inflammation of a tendon (tissue that connects
muscle to bone) due to repetitive motion or
overuse, causing pain and difficulty in movement.
Strains and Sprains
Ankle sprain from twisting the foot during sports
Strain: A stretched or torn muscle or tendon due to
overstretching or excessive force.
Sprain: A stretched or torn ligament (connects bones to
joints) caused by sudden twisting or impact. Both cause
pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement.
Nutrition and Muscle health
The Role of Protein in Muscle Development
Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance.
It provides amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle
tissue.
Consuming enough protein helps with muscle recovery after exercise.
Sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and plant-based
proteins.
Importance of vitamins and
minerals
Calcium – Supports muscle contractions and strengthens
bones.
Magnesium – Helps with muscle relaxation and prevents
cramps.
Potassium – Regulates fluid balance and muscle
contractions, reducing soreness.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy
ensures adequate intake.
Supplement for Muscle
Health
Creatine – Boosts energy production in muscles, improving strength
and endurance.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) – Reduce muscle fatigue and
enhance recovery.
Protein Powders – Convenient way to meet daily protein needs for
muscle growth.
Supplements should complement a well-rounded diet, not replace
whole foods.
KEY POINTS:
Muscle: Specialized tissues essential for movement, stability, and physiological functions.
Muscle Types:
SKELETAL: Voluntary, striated muscles (e.g., biceps).
CARDIAC: Involuntary heart muscle for blood circulation.
SMOOTH: Involuntary muscles in internal organs (e.g., digestive system).
Muscle Anatomy: Composed of fibers, tendons, myofibrils, and sarcomeres.
Muscle Contraction: Driven by actin-myosin interaction, with isotonic and isometric types.
Muscle Disorders: Include muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, tendinitis, and strains.
Nutrition: Protein, vitamins, and minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium) are vital for muscle
health.
Exercise: Resistance training builds strength, while aerobic exercise improves endurance.
Aging: Sarcopenia (muscle loss) can be mitigated with exercise and proper nutrition.
THANK YOU