Visceral muscle

The visceral muscle is a type of muscle tissue that is found in the viscera, or internal organs, of the body. It is also known as smooth muscle due to its lack of striations that are seen in other muscle types.

Structure

Visceral muscle is composed of spindle-shaped cells that are tightly packed together. Each cell contains a single nucleus and is surrounded by a thin layer of connective tissue. The cells are arranged in sheets or layers, with the direction of the fibers often running at right angles to each other.

Function

The primary function of visceral muscle is to contract and relax in order to facilitate the movement of substances through the body's internal organs. This includes the movement of food through the digestive system, the flow of blood through the blood vessels, and the expulsion of waste products from the body.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that affect the visceral muscle can have a significant impact on the body's ability to function properly. These can include gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.

See also

• Skeletal muscle
• Cardiac muscle
• Muscular system