Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

9. Muscle Tissue

Introduction to Muscles and Muscle Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

9. Muscle Tissue

Introduction to Muscles and Muscle Tissue

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2:03 minutes

Problem 19

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue relative to structure, body location, and specific function.

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Begin by describing the structure of each muscle type: Skeletal muscle is composed of long, cylindrical, multinucleated fibers with striations; cardiac muscle consists of branched, striated fibers with intercalated discs; smooth muscle is made of spindle-shaped, non-striated cells with a single nucleus.

Explain the body location of each muscle type: Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and facilitates voluntary movement; cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the walls of the heart; smooth muscle is located in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and bladder.

Discuss the specific function of skeletal muscle: It is responsible for voluntary movements, posture maintenance, and heat production through contraction.

Discuss the specific function of cardiac muscle: It contracts involuntarily to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining circulation and ensuring oxygen delivery to tissues.

Discuss the specific function of smooth muscle: It performs involuntary movements such as peristalsis in the digestive tract, regulation of blood vessel diameter, and control of organ functions like bladder emptying.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Muscle Tissue Types

There are three primary types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Skeletal muscle is striated and under voluntary control, primarily attached to bones for movement. Cardiac muscle, found only in the heart, is also striated but operates involuntarily, facilitating heart contractions. Smooth muscle is non-striated and involuntary, located in walls of hollow organs, aiding in processes like digestion and blood vessel regulation.

Structural Differences

The structure of muscle tissues varies significantly. Skeletal muscle fibers are long, cylindrical, and multi-nucleated, allowing for powerful contractions. Cardiac muscle cells are branched and interconnected, featuring intercalated discs that promote synchronized contractions. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and lack striations, enabling them to contract more slowly and sustain contractions over longer periods.

Functional Roles

Each muscle type serves distinct functions in the body. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, such as walking and lifting. Cardiac muscle's primary role is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining circulation. Smooth muscle controls involuntary movements, such as peristalsis in the digestive tract and regulating blood flow in blood vessels, contributing to homeostasis.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Use the key to classify each of the following described tissue types into one of the four major tissue categories.

Key:

a. Connective tissue

b. Epithelium

c. Muscle

d. Nervous tissue

_________ (1) Tissue type composed largely of nonliving extracellular matrix; important in protection and support

_________ (2) The tissue immediately responsible for body movement

_________ (3) The tissue that enables us to be aware of the external environment and to react to it

_________ (4) The tissue that lines body cavities and covers surfaces

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Textbook Question

Differentiate between the roles of neurons and the supporting cells of nervous tissue.

Name and describe the four special functional abilities of muscle that are the basis for muscle response.

Mrs. Delancy went to the local meat market and bought a beef tenderloin (cut from the loin, the region along the steer's caudal vertebral column) and some tripe (cow's stomach). What type of muscle was she preparing to eat in each case?

Which type of muscle fascicle pattern has an appearance similar to a feather?

a. Fusiform

b. Triangular

c. Pennate

d. Parallel

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Textbook Question