Muscular tissue

Muscular Tissue

Muscular tissue is a type of tissue in the human body that possesses the ability to contract, thus producing movement in the body. It is one of the four main types of tissues, the others being epithelial tissue, connective tissue, and nervous tissue.

Types of Muscular Tissue

There are three types of muscular tissue: skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Each type has a unique structure and function.

Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle is attached to the skeleton and helps in body movements. It is under voluntary control, meaning its activity is consciously controlled by the nervous system. Skeletal muscle fibers are long, cylindrical, and multinucleated.

Cardiac Muscle

Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Unlike skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle is not under voluntary control. Its cells are short, branched, and have a single nucleus.

Smooth Muscle

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. It is not under voluntary control. Its cells are short, spindle-shaped, and have a single nucleus.

Functions of Muscular Tissue

The primary function of muscular tissue is to produce movement. However, it also has other functions such as maintaining posture, stabilizing joints, and generating heat.

Diseases and Disorders

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect muscular tissue, including muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and fibromyalgia. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue.

See Also

• Muscle contraction
• Muscle fiber
• Muscle physiology