Where is skeletal muscle located in the body

Skeletal muscle tissue is composed of long cells called muscle fibers that have a striated appearance. Muscle fibers are organized into bundles supplied by blood vessels and innervated by motor neurons.

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs throughout the body. Smooth muscle contractions are involuntary movements triggered by impulses that travel through the autonomic nervous system to the smooth muscle tissue. The arrangement of cells within smooth muscle tissue allows for contraction and relaxation with great elasticity. The smooth muscle in the walls of organs like the urinary bladder and the uterus allow those organs to expand and relax as needed.

The smooth muscle of the alimentary canal the digestive tract facilitates the peristaltic waves that move swallowed food and nutrients. In the eye smooth muscle changes the shape of the lens to bring objects into focus. Artery walls include smooth muscle that relaxes and contracts to move blood through the body.

The heart wall is composed of three layers. Cardiac muscle, found only in the myocardium, contracts in response to signals from the cardiac conduction system to make the heart beat. Cardiac muscle is made from cells called cardiocytes. Sep 7, Explanation: Skeletal muscles are a form of striated muscle tissue and under the voluntary control of the body.

Related questions Why do muscles work in pairs? How do muscles and bones work together? How do muscle cells differ from nerve cells? What are some examples of muscles? What are muscles? Home Bones muscles and joints. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Different types of muscle Make-up of muscle The neuromuscular system Shapes of skeletal muscle Muscle disorders Where to get help Things to remember. There are about muscles in the human body.

Muscles have a range of functions from pumping blood and supporting movement to lifting heavy weights or giving birth. Muscles work by either contracting or relaxing to cause movement. This movement may be voluntary meaning the movement is made consciously or done without our conscious awareness involuntary.

Glucose from carbohydrates in our diet fuels our muscles. To work properly, muscle tissue also needs particular minerals, electrolytes and other dietary substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. A range of problems can affect muscles — these are collectively known as myopathy.

Muscle disorders may cause weakness, pain or even paralysis. Different types of muscle The three main types of muscle include: Skeletal muscle — the specialised tissue that is attached to bones and allows movement. Together, skeletal muscles and bones are called the musculoskeletal system also known as the locomotor system. Generally speaking, skeletal muscle is grouped into opposing pairs such as the biceps and triceps on the front and back of the upper arm. Skeletal muscles are under our conscious control, which is why they are also known as voluntary muscles.

Another term is striated muscles, since the tissue looks striped when viewed under a microscope. Smooth muscle — located in various internal structures including the digestive tract, uterus and blood vessels such as arteries.

Smooth muscle is arranged in layered sheets that contract in waves along the length of the structure. Another common term is involuntary muscle, since the motion of smooth muscle happens without our conscious awareness. Cardiac muscle — the muscle specific to the heart. The heart contracts and relaxes without our conscious awareness.