Anatomical terms of muscle

Anatomical Terms of Muscle

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Illustration of the major elements of muscle tissue

The Anatomical Terms of Muscle are used to describe the various components, processes, and functions of the muscular system in the human body. These terms are derived from anatomical terminology and are standardized to avoid confusion. They are widely used in the fields of biology, medicine, and physiology.

Structure of Muscles

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Diagram showing the structure of a typical muscle

Muscles are complex structures composed of muscle cells, also known as myocytes. Each myocyte contains myofibrils, which are made up of sarcomeres, the basic unit of muscle contraction. The sarcomeres are composed of two types of filaments: thick filaments made of myosin and thin filaments made of actin.

Types of Muscles

There are three types of muscles in the human body: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.

Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscle tissue

Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are responsible for voluntary movements. They are composed of long, cylindrical cells and have a striated appearance under the microscope.

Cardiac Muscles

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Cardiac muscle tissue

Cardiac muscles are found in the heart and are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. They are also striated, but unlike skeletal muscles, their contractions are involuntary.

Smooth Muscles

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Smooth muscle tissue

Smooth muscles are found in various organs and structures such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, bronchi, uterus, urethra, and blood vessels. Unlike skeletal and cardiac muscles, smooth muscles are not striated and their contractions are involuntary.

Muscle Contraction

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Diagram showing the process of muscle contraction

Muscle contraction is the process by which muscles produce force and change length. This process is regulated by the nervous system through the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

See Also

• Muscular system
• Muscle tissue
• Muscle contraction
• Myocyte
• Sarcomere

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