❖ Skeletal muscle is also called striated muscle

because transverse bands, or striations, can be

CHAPTER 7: MUSCULAR SYSTEM seen in the muscle under the microscope
❖ Individual skeletal muscles, such as the biceps
Types: brachii, are complete organs, as a result of
SKELETAL being comprised of several tissues: muscle,
❖ Attach to bones nerve, and connective tissue
❖ Striated
❖ Voluntarily controlled CONNECTIVE TISSUE COVERINGS
❖ Each skeletal muscle is surrounded by a
CARDIAC connective tissue sheath called the epimysium
❖ Located in the heart ❖ A skeletal muscle is subdivided into groups of
❖ Striated muscle cells, termed fascicles
❖ Involuntarily controlled ➢ Each fascicle is surrounded by a
connective tissue covering, termed the
SMOOTH Perimysium
❖ Located in blood vessels, Hollow organs ❖ Each skeletal muscle cell (fiber) is surrounded
❖ Non-striated by a connective tissue covering, termed the
❖ Involuntarily controlled endomysium

Functions: MUSCLE FIBER STRUCTURE

1. MOVEMENT ❖ A muscle fiber is a single cylindrical cell, with
2. MAINTAIN POSTURE several nuclei located at its periphery.
3. RESPIRATION ❖ Muscle fibers range in length 1cm to 30cm and
4. PRODUCTION OF BODY HEAT are generally 0.15 mm in diameter.
5. COMMUNICATION ❖ Skeletal muscle fibers contain several nuclei that
6. HEART BEAT are located at the periphery of the fiber.
7. CONTRACTION OF ORGANS AND VESSELS ❖ The sarcolemma (cell membrane) has many
tube-like inward folds, called transverse
Properties: tubules, or T tubules
❖ Contractility – the ability of muscle to shorten ➢ T tubules occur at regular intervals
forcefully, or contract along the muscle fiber and extend into
❖ Excitability – the capacity of muscle to respond the center of the muscle fiber.
to stimulus ➢ The T tubules are associated with
❖ Extensibility – the ability to be stretched beyond enlarged portions of the smooth
its normal resting length and still be able to endoplasmic reticulum called
contract sarcoplasmic reticulum.
❖ Elasticity – the ability of the muscle to recoil to ➢ The enlarged portions are called
its original resting length after it has been terminal cisternae.
stretched. ➢ T tubules connect the sarcolemma to
the terminal cisternae to form a muscle
triad
SKELETAL MUSCLE STRUCTURE ❖ The sarcoplasmic reticulum has a relatively high
concentration of Ca2+, which plays a major role
❖ Aka striated muscle in muscle contraction.
❖ constitutes approximately 40% of body weight ❖ The cytoplasm of a muscle fiber is called the
together with its associated connective tissue sarcoplasm, which contains many bundles of
❖ Skeletal muscle is so named because many of protein filaments.
the muscles are attached to the skeletal system ❖ Bundles of protein filaments are called
❖ Some skeletal muscles attach to the skin or myofibrils.
connective tissue sheets ➢ Myofibrils consist of the myofilaments,
actin and myosin.
 ➢ A bands - Dark staining bands that
extend the length of the mysosin
filaments.
❖ Actin and myosin myofilaments overlap for some
distance on both ends of the A band; this
overlap causes the contraction.
❖ Actin myofilaments are made up of three
components: actin, troponin, and tropomyosin.
➢ Troponin - molecules have binding sites
for Ca2+
➢ Tropomyosin filaments - block the
myosin myofilament binding sites on the
actin myofilaments.
❖ Myosin myofilaments, or thick myofilaments,
THE SARCOMERE resemble bundles of tiny golf clubs.
❖ Myosin heads have ATP binding sites, ATPase
and attachment spots for actin.

EXCITABILITY OF MUSCLE FIBERS

❖ The electrical charge difference across the cell
membrane of an unstimulated cell is the resting
membrane potential
❖ Muscle cells (fibers) have a resting membrane
potential, but can also perform action potentials.
❖ The resting membrane potential is due to the
inside of the membrane being negatively
charged in comparison to the outside of the
membrane being positively charged.
❖ Action potentials are due to the membrane
❖ is the basic structural and functional unit of a having gated channels.
skeletal muscle because it is the smallest
portion of a skeletal muscle capable of
contracting
❖ Z disks form a network of protein fibers that RESTING MEMBRANE POTENTIAL
both serve as (1) an anchor for actin
myofilaments and (2) separate one sarcomere
from the next.
❖ The sarcomere extends from one Z disk to the
next Z disk.
❖ The organization of actin and myosin
myofilaments gives skeletal muscle its striated
appearance and gives it the ability to contract.
❖ The myofilaments slide past each other, causing
the sarcomeres to shorten.
❖ Each sarcomere consists of two light- staining
bands separated by a dark-staining band.
➢ I bands - Light bands that consist only ❖ The resting membrane potential exists because
of actin of:
■ extend toward the center of the ➢ The concentration of K+ being higher on
sarcomere to the ends of the the inside the cell membrane and the
myosin filaments. concentration of Na+ being higher on
the outside.
 ➢ The presence of many negatively membrane becomes more positively
charged molecules such as proteins, charged than the outside of the cell
inside the cell that are too large to exit membrane.
3. Near the end of depolarization, the positive
the cell.
charge causes gated Na+ channels to close and
➢ The presence of leak protein channels gated K+ channels to open.
in the membrane that are more
permeable to K+than it is to Na +.
❖ Na+ tends to diffuse into the cell and K+ tends to
diffuse out.
❖ In order to maintain the resting membrane
potential, the sodium-potassium pump recreates
the Na+ and K+ ion gradient by pumping Na+
out of the cell and K+ into the cell.

ACTION POTENTIAL

1. To initiate a muscle contraction, the resting

membrane potential must be changed to an
action potential.
2. Changes in the resting membrane potential
occur when gated cell membrane channels 4. Opening of gated K+ channels starts
open. repolarization of the cell membrane.
❖ Repolarization is due to the exit of K+
from the cell.
AP in Skeletal muscle fiber 5. The outward diffusion of K+ returns the cell to its
resting membrane conditions and the action
1. a nerve impulse triggers gated Na+ channels to potential ends.
open and Na+ diffuses into the cell down its
concentration gradient and toward the
negative charges inside the cell. AP in muscle fiber
1.1. entry of Na+ causes the inside of the
cell membrane to become more - an action potential results in muscle contraction.
positive than when the cell is at resting
membrane potential
❖ This increase in positive charge inside
the cell membrane is called
depolarization NERVE SUPPLY

2. If the depolarization changes the threshold

(membrane potential to a value c), an action
potential is triggered.
❖ An action potential is a rapid change in
charge across the cell membrane.
❖ Depolarization during the action
potential is when the inside of the cell
 postsynaptic the muscle fiber membrane
membrane (sarcolemma).

synaptic a vesicle in the presynaptic

vesicle terminal that stores and
releases neurotransmitter
chemicals

Neurotransmitt- chemicals that stimulate or

ers inhibit postsynaptic cells

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that

stimulates skeletal muscles

MUSCLE CONTRACTION

1. An action potential travels down a motor

neuron to the presynaptic terminal
Nerve supply Function 1.1. Causes Ca2+ channels to open
2. Ca2+ causes presynaptic vesicles to release
acetylcholine into a synaptic cleft
nerve cell that stimulates 3. Acetylcholine binds to receptor sites on Na+
muscle cells channels
Motor neuron
3.1. Na+ channels open
3.2. Na+ rushes into postsynaptic terminal
Neuromuscular synapse where a fiber of a (depolarization)
nerve connects with a 4. Na+ causes sarcolemma and t-tubules to
Junction
muscle fiber (see pics increase in the permeability of sarcoplasmic
above) reticulum
4.1. Sarcoplasmic reticulum releases stored
Synapse refers to the cell-to-cell calcium
junction between a nerve 5. Ca2+ binds to troponin which is attached to
cell and either another actin
nerve cell or an effector cell, 6. Ca2+ binding to troponin causes tropomyosin
such as in a muscle or a to move which exposes sites for myosin
gland 7. Myosin head to bind to actin
8. ATP is released from myosin head and bent
toward center of sarcomere
Motor unit is a group of muscle fibers 9. Bending forces actin to slide over myosin
that a motor neuron 10. Acetylcholinesterase (enzymes that breaks
stimulates down acetylcholine is released
10.1. Na+ channels close
presynaptic the end of a neuron cell 10.2. Muscle contractions stop
terminal axon fiber

SKELETAL MUSCLE EXCITATION

synaptic cleft the space between the
presynaptic terminal and
muscle fiber membrane
ATP & MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS
❖ Energy for muscle contractions is supplied by
ATP.
❖ Energy is released as ATP -> ADP + P
❖ ATP is stored in myosin heads
❖ ATP help form cross-bridge formation between
myosin and actin.
❖ New ATP must bind to myosin before
cross-bridge is released
❖ Rigor mortis will occur when a person dies and
no ATP is available to release cross-bridges
 MUSCLE FATIGUE

SUMMATION AND RECRUITMENT

SUMMATION
❖ Individual muscles contract more forcefully
which individually stimulates muscles fibers
and prevents relaxations
❖ More AP -> More Ca2+ -> more cross
bridges
MUSCLE TWITCH ❖ One contraction summates which increases
over all contraction
❖ Tetanus - occurs when frequency of
➢ is a single contraction of a muscle fiber
in response to a stimulus stimulation is so rapid, no relaxation occur
➢ has three phases: latent phase, ➢ Rarely achieved under normal
contraction phase, and relaxation phase circumstances and is more
■ The latent phase is the time
commonly an experimentally
between the application of a
stimulus and the beginning of induced muscular response
contraction
● Action potentials have RECRUITMENT
not yet arrived at
sarcolemma ❖ Muscle units stimulated which increases
● Ca2+ leaves total number of muscle fibers contracting
Sarcoplasmic reticulum ❖ Maximum force of contraction is produced
to bind to troponin so here
cross bridges can be
formed
■ The contraction phase is the
time during which the muscle
contracts
● Cross-bridge movement
and cycling
■ the relaxation phase is the time
during which the muscle relaxes
● Ca2+ is actively
transported back to
sarcoplasmic reticulum
● Tropomyosin filaments
block crossbridges
 MUSCULAR FIBERS
ENERGY FOR MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS
SLOW TWITCH FIBERS
❖ Contracts slowly ENERGY FOR MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS
❖ Fatigue slowly
❖ Muscle fibers are very energy-demanding cells
❖ Have a considerable amount of myoglobin
whether at rest or during any forms of exercise
➢ Stores oxygen temporarily
❖ This energy comes from either Aerobic (with O2)
➢ Can continue to release oxygen in a
or anaerobic (without O2) ATP production
muscle even when a sustained
❖ ATP is derived from four processes in skeletal
contraction has interrupted the
muscle:
continuous supply of blood
1. Aerobic production of ATP during most
❖ Use aerobic respiration
exercise and normal conditions
❖ Are dark in color
- At the mitochondria
➢ Due to a richer blood supply and
- More efficient but slower than
presence of myoglobin
anaerobic
❖ Used by long distance runners
- Produces approx. 18x more
❖ Contain type I myosin
ATP than anaerobic
❖ Low glycogen concentration
- Product: ATP, CO2 and lactate
❖ Larger postural muscles contain more
- Can also use lipids and amino
slow-twitch fibers
acids to form ATP
- More flexible than anaerobic
formation
FAST TWITCH FIBERS
2. Anaerobic production of ATP during
❖ Contract quickly intensive short-term work
❖ Fatigue quickly - Very few exercises only
❖ Energy from glycogen supported through anaerobic
❖ Use anaerobic respiration - When a muscle cell is working
❖ Are light in color too strenuously for ATP stores
❖ Used by sprinters and creatine phosphate to be
❖ Muscles of the upper limb contain more fast able to provide enough ATP,
twitch fibers anaerobic respiration
❖ Decrease more rapidly than slow twitch fibers as predominates
we age - Type II fibers are the primary
➢ Reason for loss of speed or strength anaerobic fibers
❖ Two types: - Product: lactate and ATP
➢ Type IIa - Lactate is a critical
■ Contract at an intermediate metabolic intermediate
speed that is formed and
■ High myoglobin content utilized continuously
➢ Type II B even under fully aerobic
■ Fastest type of fiber conditions
■ Largest fiber - Produced by skeletal
■ Highest anaerobic capacity muscle cells at all
■ Low myoglobin content times
- Broken down (70-75%)
and used to make
❖ A muscle has a blend of types with one glucose (30-35%)
dominating - Aerobic and anaerobic
➢ Humans have both types of fibers pathways are linked
❖ The distribution of fibers is genetically through lactate
determined 3. Conversion of a molecule called
❖ Average healthy, active adults have roughly creatine phosphate to ATP
equal number of slow and fast twitch fibers and - Muscle cells cannot store
over three times as may II a as type II b fibers energy but they can generate
❖ World-class sprinters may have over 80% type II enough ATP to keep up with
fibers with type II a slightly predominating high energy demand because of
❖ World-class endurance athletes may have 95% creatine phosphate
type I fibers
 - Can be rapidly used to produce ❖ Eccentric contractions
ATP in contracting muscle fibers ➢ are isotonic contractions in
- ATP is used to store creatine which tension is maintained in
phosphate a muscle, but the opposing
- resistance causes the muscle
4. Conversion of two ADP to one ATP and to lengthen
one AMP (adenosine
monophosphate)during heavy exercise
MUSCLE TONE
- is the constant tension produced by body
❖ After intense exercise the respiratory rate and
muscles over long periods of time
volume rate remain elevated for some time even
- Responsible for keeping the back and legs
though muscles are no longer actively
straight, the head in an upright position, and the
contracting
abdomen from bulging
➢ Increased respiratory activity provides
- Muscle tone depends on a small percentage of
the O2 to payback oxygen deficit
all the motor units in a muscle being stimulated
➢ Respiration rate returns to normal after:
at any point in time, causing their muscle fibers
1. all the lactate has been
to contract tetanically and out of phase with one
converted to glucose, and
another
2. creatine phosphate levels are
restored
❖ Recovery oxygen consumption - amount of
O2 needed in chemical reactions that occur to SMOOTH MUSCLE
restore pre exercise conditions - are non-striated small, spindle-shaped muscle
❖ Magnitude of oxygen deficit depends on the cells, usually with one nucleus per cell
intensity of the exercise, length of time it was - The myofilaments are not organized into
sustained and physical conditions of the sarcomeres
individual - The cells comprise organs controlled
involuntarily, except the heart
- Neurotransmitter substances, hormones, and
MUSCLE FATIGUE other substances can stimulate smooth muscle
- Fatigue is a temporary state of reduced work
capacity.
- Without fatigue, muscle fibers would be worked CARDIAC MUSCLE
to the point of structural damage to them and - cells are long, striated, and branching, with
their supportive tissues usually only one nucleus per cell
- Muscle fatigue include: - Cardiac muscle is striated as a result of the
- Acidosis and ATP depletion due to either sarcomere arrangement
an increased ATP consumption or a - Cardiac muscle contraction is autorhythmic
decreased ATP production - Cardiac muscle cells are connected to one
- Oxidative stress, which is characterized another by specialized structures that include
by the buildup of excess reactive desmosomes and gap junctions called
oxygen species (ROS; free radicals) intercalated disks
- Local inflammatory reactions - Cardiac muscle cells function as a single unit in
that action potential in one cardiac muscle cell
can stimulate action potentials in adjacent cells
TYPES OF CONTRACTIONS
There are two types of muscle contractions: isometric
and isotonic.
1. isometric contraction - has an increase in
muscle tension, but no change in length
2. isotonic contraction - has a change in length
with no change in tension
❖ Concentric contractions
➢ are isotonic contractions in
which muscle tension
increases as the muscle
shortens
 - Skeletal muscle attachments have an origin and
an insertion
- Origin- the attachment at the least
mobile location
- Insertion is at the end of the muscle
attached to the bone undergoing the
greatest movement
- Belly - The part of the muscle between the
origin and the insertion
- Agonists - A group of muscles working together
- Antagonists - A muscle or group of muscles
that oppose muscle action

NOMENCLATURE
Muscles are named according to:
1. Location – a pectoralis muscle is located in the
chest.
2. Size – the size could be large or small, short or
long.
3. Shape – the shape could be triangular,
quadrate, rectangular, or round.
4. Orientation of fascicles – fascicles could run
straight (rectus) or at an angle (oblique).
5. Origin and insertion – the
sternocleidomastoid has its origin on the
sternum and clavicle and its insertion on the
mastoid process of the temporal bone.
6. Number of heads – a biceps muscle has two
heads (origins), and a triceps muscle has three
heads (origins)
7. Function – abductors and adductors are the
muscles that cause abduction and adduction
movements.

SKELETAL MUSCLE ANATOMY

MUSCLES OF MASTICATION
- Tendon - connects skeletal muscle to bone
- Temporalis
- Aponeuroses - are broad, sheet-like tendons
- Masseter
- Retinaculum - is a band of connective tissue
- Pterygoids (two pairs)
that holds down the tendons at each wrist and
ankle
 THORACIC MUSCLES
External Intercostals
- Elevate ribs for inspiration
Internal intercostals
- Depress ribs during forced expiration
Diaphragm
- Moves during breathing

TONGUE AND SWALLOWING MUSCLES

ABDOMINAL WALL MUSCLES

Rectus Abdominis
- Center of abdomen
- Compresses abdomen
External Abdominal Oblique
- Side of abdomen
- Compresses abdomen
DEEP NECK AND BACK MUSCLES Internal Abdominal Oblique
- Compresses abdomen
Transverse Abdominis
- Compresses abdomen

MUSCLES OF THE ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL

UPPER SCAPULAR AND LIMB MUSCLES

TRAPEZIUS
❖ Shoulders and upper back
❖ Extends neck and head
PECTORALIS MAJOR
❖ Chest
❖ Elevates ribs
SERRATUS ANTERIOR
❖ Between ribs
❖ Elevates ribs
DELTOID
❖ Shoulder
❖ Abductor of upper limbs

UPPER LIMB MUSCLES

TRICEPS BRACHII
❖ 3 heads
❖ Extends elbow
BICEPS BRACHII
❖ “Flexing muscle”
❖ Flexes elbow and shoulder
BRACHIALIS
❖ Flexes elbow
LATISSIMUS DORSI
❖ Lower back
❖ Extends shoulder

MUSCLES OF HIPS AND THIGHS

ILIOPSOAS
❖ Flexes hip
GLUTEUS MAXIMUS
❖ Buttocks
❖ Extends hips and abducts thigh
GLUTEUS MEDIUS
❖ Hip
 ❖ Abducts and rotates thigh

MUSCLES OF THE UPPER LEG

The quadriceps femoris is comprised of 4 thigh muscles:
RECTUS FEMORIS
❖ Front of thigh
❖ Extends knee and flexes hip

VASTUS LATERALIS
❖ Extends knee

VASTUS MEDIALIS
❖ Extends knee

VASTUS INTERMEDIUS
❖ Extends knee

GRACILIS
❖ Adducts thigh and flexes knee

BICEPS FEMORIS, SEMIMEMBRANOSUS,

SEMITENDINOSUS
❖ Hamstring
❖ Back of thigh
❖ Flexes knee, rotates leg, extends hip

MUSCLES OF THE LOWER LEG

TIBIALIS ANTERIOR
❖ Front of lower leg
❖ Inverts foot

TIPS FOR HEALTHY MUSCLES

GASTROCNEMIUS
❖ Warm up
❖ Calf
❖ Cool down
❖ Flexes foot and leg
❖ Stretch
❖ Diet
❖ Hydrate
SOLEUS
❖ Exercise
❖ Attaches to ankle
❖ Flexes foot