What is the function of muscles?
Written by Jean Mari A. Rojas
Edited and Reviewed by Dr. Reuben J C. Los Baños, Ph.D.

The term muscles came from the Latin word mus, which means “little mouse.” The naming of the term is because of how flexing muscles look like scurrying mice beneath the skin.
There are three types of muscles:
- Skeletal muscles.
- Smooth muscles.
- Cardiac muscles.
Some muscles line the heart (cardiac muscles) and other hollow organs (smooth muscles). Both of these muscles have involuntary movement.
Muscles make up most of our body mass, with 600 forces making up the entire muscular system. The muscular system combines with other body systems to achieve many functions.
The primary functions of the muscular system are contractibility and movement.
The muscular system’s primary function is contractibility. With this unique function, muscles are now responsible for almost all body movement. An exception to this is cilia, flagellum on sperm cells, and activity of some white cells.
A combination of skeletal muscles, joints, and bones produces visible motions. These actions include walking and running.
- It helps in creating a quick response to our environment.
- Skeletal muscles also generate more subtle movements. These movements include facial expressions, eye movements, eating, and breathing.
Smooth and cardiac muscles work together to ease movement in the blood vessels and heart.
- They work together to maintain blood pressure and circulate blood to the parts of the body.
Other functions of the muscular system include:
- Maintain posture and body position. It helps keep the body upright, erect, and in the correct position when standing or sitting.
- Skeletal muscles also help in stabilizing joints. Muscle tendons stretch over joints and contribute to their stability.
- Muscle activity generates heat as a byproduct. This byproduct is essential in maintaining average body temperature. Almost 85% of the heat generated is from muscle contraction. When it is cold, our muscular system will increase movement to increase heat production. This movement is shivering. Blood vessels, lined with smooth muscles, also contract to maintain body heat.
Other functions: Organ protection, vision, urination, digestion, and respiration.
How are muscles made in the body?
Myogenesis is the production of muscle tissue from stem cells. It gets produced in the mesoderm during embryonic development. Myoblasts fuse into multinucleated fibers termed myotubes to create muscle fibers. Suppose adequate fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is available during early embryonic development. The myoblasts multiply.
Muscle formation comes with three stages:
- Myoblasts fuse into multinucleated fibers termed myotubes to create muscle fibers.
In early embryonic development, these myoblasts proliferate. But only if enough fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is present. When the FGF runs out, the myoblasts stop division.
It also secretes fibronectin onto its extracellular matrix.
- Myoblasts align into the myotubes.
- Cell fusion itself.
Calcium ions are critical for development. Myocyte Enhance Factors (MEFs) that promote myogenesis. Serum Response Factor (SRF) plays a central role during myogenesis. It requires the SRF to express striated alpha-actin genes. The expression gets regulated by the androgen receptor.
It means its steroids can control myogenesis.
Muscular hypertrophy refers to the expansion and development of muscle cells. It refers to a muscle size expansion that occurs as a result of training. Toning or improving muscular definition by lifting weights during exercises increases hypertrophy.
There are three Mechanisms for developing muscular hypertrophy:
- MECHANICAL TENSION
It uses heavy load and performs exercises through a full range of motion. It considers the time the muscle spends under tension provided by the external load (barbell, dumbbell, etc.). The more time spent with the haul, the more mechanical tension gets produced.
But, tension alone won’t result in maximal muscle growth. It has to go into a full range of motion.
- MUSCULAR DAMAGE
DOMs (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness) result from micro-tearing of the muscle due to damage. It gets sustained during resistance training, coming from eccentric and concentric contractions.
The initiation of muscular injury stimulates mTOR pathways, which then trigger protein synthesis. It is here that the rebuilding of the damaged muscle begins.
- METABOLIC STRESS
‘the burn’ or ‘the pump’ repetitions. It is getting into higher repetitions and taking short breaks intervals. It creates a continuous contracting and relaxing of the muscles. It results in a blood pooling effect that makes muscular (cell) swelling. It causes a restriction in blood supply to the muscle and a shortage of oxygenated blood. It results in less oxygen to feed the body during contractions.
It causes a massive build-up of metabolites such as lactate and hydrogen ions. The anabolic impact of the metabolic stress put on the muscles leads to molecular signaling. It also increases the body’s hormonal response.
Why is protein essential for muscle?
The human body consists of about 5 to 6 kilograms of muscle protein. Protein is the building block of our muscular system.
Your body requires protein to stay healthy. Its general function is to:
- Proteins are components of blood and it carries energy and oxygen throughout your body
- Help create antibodies that fight off infections and illnesses
- Help keep cells healthy and make new ones.
Strength training activity stimulates the process of muscle protein synthesis (MPS). But, it gets enabled when you eat protein. Eating the right amounts of protein will help maintain muscle mass and muscle growth.
The amino acid leucine is abundant in “fast-digesting” proteins. It aids in the stimulation of MPS. Slow digesting proteins, such as those found in eggs and milk may help in slowing down the MPS process.
Eating reasonable amounts of protein help increase muscular strength and mass. So in trying to gain muscles and be active, make sure always to have enough protein. Also, keeping the protein intake high will prevent muscle loss during the weight loss attempts.
Best sources of protein:
High-quality sources of protein include:
- Fish, Poultry, Beef, or pork
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Dairy products
Plant-based sources include:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes, like beans, peas, or lentils
- Grains, like wheat, rice, or corn
What is the largest muscle of the body?
The gluteus maximus is the largest and heaviest muscle in the human body. It is the gluteal muscles’ most superficial muscle. It makes it the enormous muscle at the hip, representing 16% of the total cross-sectional area.
Gluteal muscles:
- Gluteus Maximus
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Minimus
The origins of the gluteus maximus are:
- Posterior gluteal line of the ilium;
- The posterior surface of the lower part of the sacrum;
- Side of the coccyx;
- Aponeurosis of erector spinae;
- Sacrotuberous ligament;
- Gluteal aponeurosis;
- Attaches to thoracolumbar and its associated raphe
The insertions of the gluteus maximus are:
- The enormous proximal part inserts into the Iliotibial tract. It forms the majority of the fibers.
- The other fibers insert into the linea aspera of the femur.
- The aponeurosis joins to the femur’s gluteal tuberosity.
Because of its large size, Gluteus Maximus can exert a lot of force. As one of the muscles stretching the hip joint, it also helps maintain an erect posture. The Gluteus Maximus’ primary function is to extend and rotate the hip joint to the side. Upper fibers can abduct the hip while the lower fibers can adduct it.
The Gluteus maximus and the hamstrings work in conjunction to produce different movements:
- Extending the trunk from a flexed position by pulling the pelvis backward;
- Bending forward;
- Superior fibers of the gluteus maximus extend the knee
Gluteus maximus has stability roles:
- Maintaining upright posture;
- Supporting of the lateral knee;
- Abducting of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot
Other functions include:
- self bracing mechanisms;
- supporting body weight while sitting;
- The quadriceps femoris can get weak or paralyzed. The gluteus maximus can get trained to produce functional knee extension.
A bruise to the gluteal region is the gluteal contusion. Some get anticoagulated or on blood thinners. Large amounts of bleeding can occur within and around the muscle. It can cause severe pain and swelling. Trauma causes the most gluteal injuries, either by fall or a direct hit to the area.
While a gluteal muscle strain occurs when a muscle or tendon gets stretched or in part torn. Overuse injuries are the leading cause of gluteal muscular strain. It can result in inflammation and damage to the muscular system.
The most common injuries experienced by athletes are gluteal tendinopathies. It stems from overtraining in squats and weightlifting. Inflammation of the hip and gluteus is a common running injury.
What is the smallest muscle in the body?
The stapedius muscle is the smallest in the human body, approximately 6 mm in length. Its location is in the middle ear’s tympanic cavity. It controls the vibration of the body’s smallest bone or known as the stirrup bone.
The origin of the stapedius: Pyramidal eminence of the tympanic cavity.
The insertion of the stapedius: Neck of stapes.
Although it is the tiniest skeletal muscle, the stapedius has a vital role in sound transmission and hearing. It’s the acoustic middle ear reflex’s effector component.
The sound threshold of a healthy person with normal hearing is around 85 dB. Vocalization-induced stapedius reflex reduces sound intensities. It reaches the inner ear by about 20 decibels.
The primary function of the stapedius is to protect the inner ear from loud noises. The facial nerve’s stapedial branch innervates the stapedius muscle. These autonomic fibers allow the muscle to take part in the auditory middle ear reflex. It protects the auditory system.
Hyperacusis is a condition that causes normal sounds to get perceived as loud noises. This condition results from the paralysis of the stapedius. It allows wider oscillation of the stapes. It heightens the reaction of the auditory ossicles to sound vibrations, causing hyperacusis.
Paralysis of the stapedius. It results when the nerve to the stapedius, a branch of the facial nerve, or its entirety, gets damaged. Example cases are Bell’s palsy, a unilateral paralysis of the facial nerve. Where the stapedius gets paralyzed, and hyperacusis may result.
Do muscles need oxygen?
Much like every other cell and organ of the body, the muscular system needs oxygen to function.
Oxygen gets carried via red blood cells, where it binds to a protein called hemoglobin. The heart pumps the red blood cells to the parts of the body. Afterward, the release of oxygen into the cells occurs. Oxygen then gets used for breaking down molecules.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is fuel for the muscles. It is a molecule that is the primary energy source to keep our body functioning. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) gets produced as a result.
Whether exercising or not, oxygen gets used to breaking down glucose. And glucose creates ATP. This process of breaking down glucose is aerobic metabolism, which requires oxygen.
Muscles need the energy to produce contractions. It gets derived from the ATP that is present.
When you exercise, your muscles consume more oxygen:
- Your heart rate and breathing rate rise, drawing more oxygen into the circulation. It results in the increased production of ATP;
- Increased heart rate and breathing to remove the amount of carbon dioxide generated
Energy can also get produced by anaerobic metabolism, a process that does not need oxygen. When your body lacks oxygen or your other systems can’t get enough oxygen to your muscles, your body will go into anaerobic metabolism. The muscles will convert the glucose you have to into lactic acid. During an intense workout, this is when your performance begins to deteriorate. Deterioration and fatigue will make you feel weary.
Researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute discovered about oxygen-sensitive enzyme FIH (Factor Inhibiting HIF). FIH’s role is crucial in transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. According to the investigators, FIH will ensure that the muscles maintain aerobic metabolism for as long as possible. It will continue to be efficient in using oxygen before transitioning to anaerobic metabolism.
After exercising, your body will be in oxygen debt. It is necessary to refill debts and replenish the oxygen in your bloodstream. Cool-down exercises are essential for replenishing oxygen levels. Afterward, consume a protein-filled snack to replace your body’s glycogen storage.
Your body’s ATP levels get restored by combining oxygen and glycogen. It also aids the liver, kidneys, and muscles in the breakdown of lactic acid.
There are three types of muscles that you can find in the human body. They are the skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, and smooth muscles. Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles found in the bones. Smooth muscles, also called non-striated muscles, involve slow and involuntary movement. While cardiac muscles are involuntary striated muscles found in the heart.
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Crystal R. Cassidy
MT 30 – AA
April 3, 2024
From the article, I learned about the different types of muscles, which are skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, and their functions. These muscles help us move and keep our bodies upright. The article also explains how muscles form during development and how they grow bigger with exercise, especially when we eat enough protein. Additionally, I learned about the biggest muscle (the gluteus maximus) and the smallest muscle in our body (the stapedius) and what they do. Lastly, I also learned about why oxygen is super important for our muscles during exercise and how we can recover after exercise.
Eojjann Tuñacao
BSMT II | MT 30 (LEC) – AA
April 03, 2024
A year ago, in our Anatomy and Physiology class, I was always intrigued by muscles. All the time, whenever I see photos or real-life examples of how a muscle looks, I associate it with movement and contraction. It may not look surprising, but the reddish-pink hue of muscle tissues always caught my attention, and it never fails to amaze me how this element comprises our body.
Like epithelial tissues that I have previously read, muscle tissues are also the type of tissue that I have encountered more than ten times already throughout my academic journey. I knew about muscle tissues like the back of my hand. The thing with muscle tissue, which is also mentioned in this article, is that it makes up most of our body mass. As an outcome of its prevalence in our bodies, muscle tissue plays an important role in establishing the entirety of our weight and composition. If I were to mention what I have learned, it is how muscle tissues not only take up their role as agents for locomotion and contraction. They also play their part in maintaining posture, stabilizing joints (skeletal muscle), and acting as a generator of heat as a by-product, which is something I have never encountered before. Among the three, I will be sharing what I have deduced to be the principle of the last function since it only occurred to me now how muscles generate 85% of the heat that we use for our body temperature via their repeated contractions. This concept underlines the importance of giving vitality to our muscles since it offers or lends us a hand in governing our internal body systems. Setting priorities for muscle strength becomes essential for promoting overall well-being.
Moreover, as curious as I am about muscles, it never came to my attention until now to know how and what muscles are made up of. With the help of this posted article, I have learned that it is through the process of myogenesis. I have comprehended how myogenesis happens in the mesoderm throughout embryonic development. Myoblasts merge to produce multinucleated fibers known as myotubes, which eventually transform into muscle fibers. Attaining this information added to the list of things that made me more educated about muscle tissues. In totality, it all boils down to clearing the haze of how muscles or muscle tissues do not only possess limited functionality, like only one or two. It can also be as diverse as it is, and by enriching our knowledge about muscles, it offers a broader perspective of how we see it as belonging to the four basic tissue types.
Marinella F. Boltron
BSMT-II
MT30 (LAB) – B
Muscles, with its three types, skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, and cardiac muscles, enable our bodies to move and perform various activities such as walking, running, dancing, and playing sports. The skeletal muscles are in a voluntary control that allows mobility. Meanwhile, smooth muscles are found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestine and blood vessels, enforcing involuntary movements. And the cardiac muscles drive the pumping action of the heart for blood circulation to take place. Moreover, our responses to the changing environment are facilitated by the muscles. For instance, when it is cold, we shiver as the muscles increase their movement to generate more heat and regulate the body’s temperature.
A proper diet with sufficient protein intake is essential for muscle development and function. These proteins are important in building fibers for muscle growth, repair after injury or vigorous activity, maintenance even during rest, providing alternative energy when needed, and in regulating muscle contractions. This nutrient is much more required for people who constantly engage in highly active routines or strength training.
Moreover, it’s a good idea to still present information about the muscles’ involvement in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism because even if this is already learned repetitively, we should still leave space for rediscovery of such beautiful processes. It’s amazing to think how muscles can still be able to adjust with the lack of oxygen. Additionally, the continuous progression of scientific experimentations has really made an impact on education and health-allied fields. The findings about the oxygen-sensitive enzyme (Factor Inhibiting FIH) provided another substantial angle of learning the biochemical aspect of muscles.
Looking forward to more scientific discoveries about this topic!
Kylemaxinne Panzo
MT 30 – AA
April 3, 2024
Muscles are known by everyone to be associated with movement, and we basically have this mindset of: bigger muscles = stronger body. It’s fascinating how our muscles can be as big as the gluteus maximus at the hip and as small as the stapedius muscle in the ear. But there are actually different types of muscles that have various functions in our body, like how the aforementioned muscles are responsible for moving the hip joint and protecting us from loud noises respectively. The type of muscles that most of general population are familiar with are the skeletal muscles, muscles attached to our skeleton or bones. They are voluntary muscles that we can control unlike the other two types, the smooth and cardiac muscles which is involved in the involuntary movement such as in the heart, blood vessels, and intestines. All these muscles come from the process of Myogenesis and I learned from this article that protein is the building block of the muscular system, which is why bodybuilders follow a protein-rich diet. I also learned that the principle of the movement by our muscles is in its ability to contract. And for contractions to happen, we need ATP which we can get from oxygen. So in order for our body to keep moving, we need to sustain the nutrients in our body, especially oxygen, by eating healthy.
Princess Niña M. Millor
BMT – II | MT 30 (LEC) – AA
April 3, 2024
I have learned in almost all our major subjects the role of muscles in our lives. However, up until today, it is still notable to learn what are muscle and its functions. In this article, I learned how muscles are built, fueled, and how they work together to keep us moving. I learned about the three main muscle types – skeletal, smooth, and cardiac – each with a unique role. The article mentioned the process of muscle formation, highlighting the importance of fibroblast growth factor in development. It made me understand the complexity and science behind muscle growth, explaining how factors like weight training, controlled muscle damage, and metabolic stress all contribute to building bigger muscles.
Protein is a key takeaway. I learned how this nutrient acts as the building block for muscles, and why consuming enough protein, especially after exercise, is crucial for repair and growth. Personally, when I work out, I always do my best to consume enough protein in my body to help me in my muscle repair and growth. It is also important that when you work out or go to the gym, you know how muscles work in order to know what to do to grow it, you know what exercise to hit a specific muscle, and such. I also learned how muscles rely on oxygen for energy production, and how limited oxygen during exercise leads to fatigue.
It is important to take care of our muscles through exercise and proper protein intake to keep them functioning optimally.
Francheska D. Badon
BSMT – II | MT 30 (LEC) – AA
April 3, 2024
I think it’s common student knowledge that muscles are complex and intricate as we have to take noted of the different types, functions, and characteristics that distinguishes them from each other. Moreover, I’ve realized that muscles are dynamic entities that are essential for movement and physical function, rather than just bundles of tissue as if I were untangling the threads of a finely woven tapestry. Muscles coordinate precise movements, like the pulleys and gears of a well-oiled machine; this is evident in everything from the heart’s rhythmic beat to the flex of a bicep.
Muscles give us stability and support, much like the foundation of a strong building, making it easy for us to keep our balance and posture. Muscle fibers can also be compared to the strings of a well-tuned instrument, highlighting their versatility and responsiveness. In addition, muscles are remarkably adaptable to different physiological needs, much like a great musician may alter the tension of their strings to achieve optimal performance. Hence, with this enhanced knowledge, I’m motivated to learn more about the intricacies and wonders of muscle function, as well as the significant effects it has on human health and well-being.
Jessa Belle T. Cabataña
BSMT- II
MT 30 (LEC)- AA
April 3, 2024
The article brings me back to my Anatomy and Physiology and Biochemistry class. Also, I did not expect how the word “muscle” is made because its meaning in Latin which is little mouse is quite a far concept from the muscles. But, I find it unique because how the muscles flexes beneath our skin is associated with mice’s hasten movements. Our muscles are distributed almost in our body and it coordinates well with other organ systems to carry out many functions. Its main functions involve movement and contraction. These functions really help us on our daily basis like walking, running, facial expressions, eye movements, eating, and breathing.
Muscles are very essential in our body. In every movement, muscles are always involved. It helps us to adjust or adapt to our environment. Protein plays a significant role in our muscular system as its building block. It is also important in our body to strengthen our muscles and keep us healthy that is why eating foods rich in protein is highly encouraged.
Bea Niezel T. Masayon
MT30 (LEC)- AA
April 3, 2024
First of all, learning about the origins of the word “muscles” and the distinctions between the three categories of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac, has increased my comprehension of anatomical terms and the variety of muscle tissue in the body. Understanding the voluntary contractions of cardiac and smooth muscles, especially about preserving essential physiological processes like blood circulation, has demonstrated the dependent nature of several physiological systems.
Studying the mechanisms behind myogenesis and the processes leading to muscular hypertrophy has improved my comprehension of how muscles grow and change in response to different stimuli, including training and exercise. Moreover, the role of protein in muscle health and function has emphasized the role that nutrition plays in promoting the development and maintenance of muscle. Finally, knowledge of concepts like oxygen debt and anaerobic metabolism has helped to clarify the physiological mechanisms involved in exercise-related and post-exercise physiological processes.
Cliantha Marielle S. Asonan
MT 30 – AA
Activity for April 3, 2024
This article is very informative! I learned many things about muscular tissues and their different types and functions in the body. I learned that there are only three types of muscle — the skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles — which all work in different ways in our body. Altogether, they help maintain body posture, stabilize joints, and generate heat as they are energy-consuming. I have also learned about how muscles are made as well as muscular hypertrophy, all of which I did not know about previously. I learned that there are three instances that encourage the expansion and development of muscle cells, which are mechanical tension, muscular damage, and metabolic stress.
Through this article, I also learned about the function, origin, and insertions of the gluteus maximus, which is the largest muscle in the body, as well as the smallest muscle in the body, which is the stapedius muscle in the middle ear. Despite being the smallest muscle, it amazingly serves an important role in the protection of our inner ear from loud noises.
Finally, I learned that as tissues that are in constant movement, muscle tissues consume massive amounts of energy. Thus, they need a lot of adenosine triphosphate, which in turn requires a lot of oxygen and glucose intake for its production. When the oxygen level is depleted in circumstances like performing intense and heavy exercises, our body amazingly shifts from aerobic respiration to anaerobic metabolism of glucose to provide enough ATP and produce lactic acid. Cooling down is therefore important to replenish the oxygen levels in our body after intense workouts.
Alvin Antoine Angelicus J. Jucom
MT 30 – AA
Activity for April 3, 2024
From this article I would say that the cornerstone of muscle function would be oxygen utilization. It’s fascinating to delve into how muscles rely on oxygen to generate energy for contractions, primarily through ATP production. Muscles also undergo aerobic and anaerobic metabolism processes for energy, especially the role played by the oxygen-sensitive enzyme FIH in maintaining efficient aerobic metabolism.
One aspect that stood out was the concept of oxygen debt post-exercise. The body needs to replenish oxygen levels through appropriate cool-down exercises and protein consumption to facilitate ATP restoration and lactic acid breakdown. This is why it is important to have post-exercise recovery even simply by resting for optimizing muscle performance in the next exertion of muscles.
Moving on to muscle injuries, it was intriguing to learn about the functions and common injuries associated with the gluteus maximus muscle, especially those frequently encountered by athletes like contusions, strains, and tendinopathies. Additionally, the stapedius muscle, though it is the body’s smallest muscle, safeguards hearing function and facilitating sound transmission. This greatly shows how interconnected our muscle health is with our overall wellbeing.
Moreover, the article likewise tackles on muscle physiology, including the diverse muscle types (skeletal, smooth, cardiac) and their distinct functions. The process of myogenesis is highly essential for muscle formation, and muscular hypertrophy mechanisms largely involve mechanical tension, muscular damage, and metabolic stress.
Lastly, protein plays a pivotal role in promoting muscle health and growth. The sources and benefits of protein intake indicates the importance of a balanced diet in supporting muscle function and recovery.
Indeed, understanding muscle physiology makes us more aware of the implications of the actions we make for our bodies such that we can better our overall health and performance.
Gwyneth Mae A. Kadile
MT 30 (LEC) – AA
Activity for April 3, 2024
This article comprehensively explains muscles, which are the building blocks that enable our bodies to move. It sheds light on the three main types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Each plays a specific role, from the beating of our hearts (cardiac) to the movement of our eyes (skeletal) and the propulsion of food through our digestive system (smooth).
What I learned from the article is the fascinating features of muscles. For example, the gluteus maximus is the body’s powerhouse, responsible for extending the hip and maintaining posture. In contrast, the stapedius muscle, a mere 6millimeters long, resides in the middle ear and protects our inner ear from loud noises by dampening sound vibrations.
Beyond movement, muscles are essential for maintaining body temperature, stabilizing joints, and even vision. To elaborate, muscle contractions generate heat, a vital function in regulating body temperature. They also provide structural support for bones and joints, ensuring proper posture and stability. Additionally, specific muscles, like those controlling eye movement, enable essential functions beyond locomotion. The article also mentions myogenesis, the process by which stem cells transform into muscle fibers. I have also learned about the importance of protein as a building block for muscle tissue. It emphasizes how sufficient protein intake is crucial for maintaining and building muscle mass. Overall, muscles have diverse functionalities and intricate development.
Mariella Felisse Cubero
MT 30 (Lec) – AA
The muscle tissue is the most interesting type of tissue for me because of its wide array of functions. Unlike epithelial and connective tissues whose subtypes typically circle back to the main function of the tissue, the muscle tissue types are more individualized, for me at least. It’s so fascinating that some of them can and cannot be controlled, and it’s so interesting to learn how everything works in the chemical aspect. If I were to pick a favorite tissue type, it would most probably be the muscle tissue because there is just so much to learn, and this is absolutely evidenced by this very well-written article.
Kylle Christine L. Cabanog
MT30 LEC – AA
The muscle tissue emerges as one of the most intriguing aspects within the human body. It captivates me primarily due to its significant role in facilitating bodily movement, an essence of vitality that defines our existence. Moreover, our muscle tissue enables quick responses to our surroundings, an attribute profoundly beneficial in our everyday experiences. Reflecting on lessons I’ve gained from our Anatomy and Physiology classes in the first year, I recall discussions about the largest (gluteus maximus) and smallest (stapedius) muscles, and respective functions of other muscles such as extension, flexion, rotation and more. I also remember as a kid that my grandmother would always advise me to consume more protein so I’d have more strength. I’ve learned from both this reading and my previous classes how crucial it is to balance our diet because various meals could offer different health benefits. In the past, I used to view exercise as something that was more of a choice, perhaps just a societal expectation based on beauty standards. However, I’ve come to realize that it holds significant importance for one’s health beyond simply conforming to societal beauty ideals. For instance, our muscles use more oxygen while we exercise. As a result, our breathing increases and our heart beats more quickly, taking in more oxygen. This encourages our muscles to create more ATP, the energy needed for movement. Furthermore, our body releases carbon dioxide during exercise, which is released by our increased breathing and heart rate. Personally, this is a well-written article that is extremely informative for students and/or even curious-minded individuals.
Josh Nathaniel M. Gadiana
MT30 LEC – AA
I believe its important to understand how muscles work, not only to professionals working in the healthcare field but also for people who are considering adapting a healthier and active lifestyle. Aside from strenuous exercise, diet also plays a major role in muscle formation and strength training. A common mistake people make is when they try to lose weight while trying to gain muscle mass. They often tend to cut the amount of food they consume without considering the nutrients required to achieve both goals such as protein. Another mistake would be inefficient training regimes that don’t make use of repetition and sets, as well as performing drills that do more harm than good to your body. People need to be educated and encouraged to exercise to decrease the risk of non-communicable diseases caused by poor lifestyle.
John Michelle M. Lagat
MT 30 – AA (LEC)
Activity for April 3, 2024
It is easy to underestimate the importance of something in our lives when we encounter it all the time. This sentiment rings true for our muscles, as cliche as that may sound. We rely on our muscles all the time without even noticing, and we don’t appreciate them enough. This lack of appreciation can manifest in neglecting to engage in enough physical activity to promote their growth and maintenance.
Comprising the majority of our body mass, muscles collaborate with other bodily systems to execute a myriad of functions. From facilitating movement, maintaining posture, and providing stability, to protecting organs and regulating bodily processes like vision, urination, digestion, and respiration, their importance cannot be overstated. However, the neglect of muscle health as observed in sedentary lifestyles can hinder their growth and maintenance. Understanding concepts such as muscular hypertrophy mentioned in the article which is fueled by mechanical tension, damage, and metabolic stress from performing physical activities underscores the importance of protein as the fundamental building block of muscle development. Strength training stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which utilizes oxygen to produce ATP that powers muscle contraction. Lack of oxygen can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid, causing fatigue and discomfort, highlighting the necessity of post-exercise cool-downs to restore oxygen levels and depleted ATP stores.
By recognizing the intricate interplay between physical activity, protein intake, and oxygen utilization in muscle health, we can better appreciate and care for these silent champions of our daily lives.
Franchezka Mia N. Amores
MT 30 – AA
Knowing the origins of the word “muscle” is enlightening. Who knew that the term came from the Latin word “musculus” meaning “little mouse” due to the resemblance of flexed muscles under the skin to the scurrying movements of a mouse? It’s amazing how ancient observations of the body’s anatomy and physiology have shaped our modern understanding and terminology.
The article also did a great job of breaking down the different types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac – and their unique structures and functions. It’s incredible to think that muscles make up most of our body mass, with over 600 individual muscles comprising the muscular system. The article highlights the importance of the muscular system, not just for movement, but also for maintaining posture, stabilizing joints, generating heat, and protecting organs.
I also appreciated the explanation of how muscle tissue develops during embryonic development. It’s amazing to think that myoblasts fuse to form multinucleated muscle fibers, which are the basic units of skeletal muscle. The influence of factors like fibroblast growth factor (FGF) during early development is also fascinating.
Overall, the article provided a comprehensive and engaging overview of the muscular system, from its origins to its functions and development.
Coleen Kaye Ira C. Silva
MT13-GH
BSMT-1
The article provides a detailed yet comprehensive explanation about the muscular system. Everytime I hear the word “muscle”, what comes in my mind is simply movement. One thing I find interesting is how the term muscles came from the Latin word mus, which means “little mouse.”
Aside from this, I also learned some interesting facts about the muscular system. Our muscles make up most of our body mass, with 600 forces making up the entire muscular system. Its primary functions include contractibility and movement which combines with other body systems to perform many functions.
During our lecture, I remembered that our teacher taught us about the three different types of muscles
which are the skeletal muscles, smooth muscles and cardiac muscles.
I also found out that the largest and heaviest muscle in the human body is the gluteus maximus and the stapedius muscle is the smallest which is approximately 6 mm in length. And like every other cell and organ inside our body, the muscular system also needs oxygen to function.
The human body is complex yet incredibly efficient where each system functions together to keep our body healthy and maintain balance.
The muscular system controls the movement of our body. One example is the gluteus maximus, the body’s largest and heaviest muscle. Its main function is to extend and rotate the hip joint outward.
Unbeknown to many, the muscle actually has a unique function of producing heat in our body aside from movement and posture. I appreciate how the article explained the different processes of the muscles and the features that makes it able to perform its function. It also informed me on how muscles are made in the body (muscle hypertrophy).
There are three types of muscles: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. This article or writing made me realize that the muscle is very functional because it is responsible for most movements like digestion, breathing, and blood pumping throughout the body. Because of its complex functions, it also requires much effort to be taken care of. Food nutrition, exercise, environment, and many more factors that affect our body must be considered to ensure that the accurate type and adequate quantity of nutrients are supplied to the muscle to ensure its quality function. This article made me realize that protein is dense in the muscle area in most living organisms, so for carnivores like us to survive, we must eat animals that contain more muscle because it means they contain more protein. “To maintain muscle, we must eat muscle.”
The overview of the muscular system really highlights how essential muscles are for nearly every movement we make. It’s fascinating to see how they not only enable us to move but also play a role in maintaining posture and generating heat. Understanding these functions makes me more aware of how much we rely on our muscles daily.
This article is quite informative, but it’s packed with a lot of scientific detail. The breakdown of how muscles are formed and grow is helpful, especially for understanding how exercise impacts them, but the technical terms might be hard to follow without prior knowledge. The part on oxygen’s role in muscle function was interesting because it connects well with why cool-downs are essential after a workout. Overall, it’s useful, but I’d prefer it simplified further to grasp key points faster.
Muscles are vital for our body functions especially in movement. They consist of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac where each roles possess a significant function in the body. In order to help these muscles function, we must contribute in exercising regularly and consuming the right amount of nutrients.
It’s amazing to learn that the word “mus” refers to a small mouse. Flexing muscle is like a mouse burrowing beneath the skin. I never expected a scientist to have a name like that, but it makes sense now. Muscles are classified into categories that serve various purposes in our bodies. Its primary role is to allow our bodies to move while also contracting. It also has several functions in our bodies that help in certain ways. I also learnt about myogenesis, or the process by which muscles are formed in the body. It consists of three stages: myoblast fusion into multinucleated fibres, alignment into myotubules, and cell fusion. I also learnt that proteins are vital in the muscle system because they are the building blocks. Protein is required by our bodies to keep them healthy and functioning properly. Aside from that, I learnt about our bodies’ largest and smallest muscles, the gluteus maximus and stapedius muscles. From the word maximus, I now understand that it is the largest. Another piece of knowledge is that, like any other cell, oxygen is essential for our cells to function, including muscle cells.
Muscles let us move and do things. There are different types of muscles, and they all need protein to be strong. Exercise makes muscles stronger because it makes them work harder, needing more oxygen and energy. Eating right and exercising regularly keeps our muscles healthy and strong as we get older.
It’s incredible how muscles not only facilitate movement but also play such a crucial role in maintaining posture, generating heat, and supporting vital functions like breathing and digestion. I find it especially interesting how muscle tissue can adapt to exercise, becoming stronger or more endurance-based. I’d love to hear more about how muscle function changes with age and how we can maintain muscle health throughout life.
The muscular system is truly fascinating, showcasing an intricate network of muscles that constitutes a significant part of our body mass while serving vital functions. These muscles not only enable movement and maintain posture but also play essential roles in circulation and heat production. Learning about myogenesis and the way muscles grow and adapt through exercise underscores the importance of nutrition and strength training for building and maintaining muscle mass. It’s intriguing to consider how our largest muscle, the gluteus maximus, and the smallest, the stapedius, each contribute uniquely to our bodily functions. Additionally, understanding the muscles’ reliance on oxygen and their ability to shift between aerobic and anaerobic processes during exercise highlights the importance of caring for our bodies through movement and healthy eating. This knowledge inspires a commitment to habits that support well-being while appreciating the incredible work our muscles perform every day.
This article provides a comprehensive and engaging explanation of the muscular system, effectively highlighting the three types of muscles (skeletal, smooth, and cardiac) and their unique roles. Additionally, the inclusion of interesting facts about the largest and smallest muscles in the body adds an engaging element, making the content not only informative but also captivating for readers. Overall, the article serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the essential functions of muscles!
The term “muscles” derives from the Latin *mus*, meaning “little mouse,” describing how flexing muscles resemble scurrying mice beneath our skin. Comprising three types, skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles make up a significant portion of our body mass, allowing us to move, maintain posture, and generate heat. Understanding muscle function enhances our appreciation for the amazing capabilities of our bodies.
Protein is vital for building and repairing muscle tissue, so incorporating high-quality sources like fish, poultry, eggs, and plant-based options is essential for recovery and energy. I find it fascinating how my largest muscle, the gluteus maximus, supports movement, while the smallest, the stapedius, protects my hearing. Additionally, oxygen fuels my muscles during exercise, reminding me of the intricate balance my body maintains when I push my limits.
As a child, I used to think muscles did not require oxygen, they were just merely there, making us move. I had thought only the lungs required oxygen. I also thought that each limb only had one big muscle. I had the misconception that if I had more than 1 muscle in one limb, then I’d have multiple limbs. But I’ve come to realize that muscles are so complex in their formation that they require much oxygen for them to function optimally.
It’s also very satisfying for one of my long-time questions to be answered: why does the body hurt after exercising? I had always known it was because the muscles are used continually for long periods of time, but I did not know there was a more in-depth process to this. It’s fascinating that though the muscles need oxygen, it shifts to anaerobic metabolism when we don’t get enough of it. You’d think our muscles would cease to function, but rather, it produces lactic acid that causes that familiar fatigue.
The muscular system is a part of the body that is responsible for movement, posture, and generating heat. From smooth muscles helping with organ function to skeletal muscles enabling us to walk or express emotions, each muscle type plays a unique role. Muscle development, or myogenesis, is a fascinating process that starts early in life and continues with activities like exercise. Strength training leads to muscle growth through tension, damage, and metabolic stress, highlighting the adaptability of our muscles. Understanding how our muscles work reminds us of the complexity and resilience of the human body.
Reading the article, offers an eye-opening look at our muscles—the powerhouse behind every move we make. It breaks down the wonders of our muscular system in a way that feels both relatable and intriguing. From the biggest muscle, the gluteus maximus, to the smallest one tucked in our ear, the stapedius, each muscle has its own unique role in keeping us active, stable, and even expressing emotions.
The explanations on how muscles grow, need protein, and depend on oxygen are both practical and motivating. It’s a great reminder of why our daily choices, like getting enough protein and staying active, are so important. The article takes a complex topic and makes it easy to understand, aiding us to see just how incredible our muscles really are.
This article highlights some truly fascinating aspects of muscle function that go beyond just movement. Muscles are not only responsible for our physical actions like walking and lifting, but they also help regulate body temperature by generating heat through contraction, especially when we shiver. Another interesting fact from this article is that muscles play a vital role in maintaining posture and stabilizing joints, making them key players in our daily stability. This article also emphasizes how muscles protect internal organs, such as how the heart, composed of cardiac muscle, tirelessly pumps blood throughout the body, ensuring the health of every cell.
It is incredible to think that muscles make up most of our body mass, with 600 forces making up the entire muscular system. I appreciate how this article highlights not just the functions of muscles in our body, but also how muscles are made which is myogenesis – the production of muscle tissue from stem cells. The term muscular hypertrophy is also new to me and I am amazed that I get to know this terminology through this article.
Muscles are by far the most interesting to me due to its diverse range of functions. Compared with epithelial and connective tissues, that merely revolve around a single function, muscle tissues are more specialized and unique in their roles. It’s fascinating to learn how some muscles can be controlled consciously, while others operate involuntarily, and how everything works on a chemical level.
I also know from this article that muscles work in complex groups to allow us to perform even the smallest movements. Lastly, It’s fascinating to learn that muscles can adapt and grow stronger with exercise, and that they need proper care and nutrients to function at their best.
These highly specialized tissues, our muscles, powered by the energy from ATP, are essential for almost everything we do, from allowing movement to maintaining posture and even regulating body temperature. Whether running to our next class or standing still in the corner, muscles are constantly at work, transforming chemical energy into mechanical energy.
I initially had a background in muscles. For instance, smooth muscles help digestion and regulate blood flow, while skeletal muscles enable coordinated movement and physical performance. With its unmatched endurance and efficiency, the cardiac muscle tirelessly pumps blood throughout the body, sustaining life. I can definitely state that the complexity of muscle function in adapting, regenerating, and performing without consciousness makes it indispensable to our overall health and well-being.
This article elaborately digs more deeply into the inner aspect. Through it, I’ve learned that myogenesis is the process by which it forms from stem cells in the mesoderm. Myoblasts fuse into myotubes, which then develop into muscle fibers. They are influenced by growth factors like FGF and regulated by proteins such as Myocyte Enhance Factors (MEFs) and Serum Response Factor (SRF). The SRF controls the expression of genes crucial for muscle development, with steroid hormones influencing myogenesis.
Furthermore, it fascinates me how our human body contains about 5 to 6 kilograms of muscle protein which are essential for oxygen transport, immune defense, and cell maintenance. Therefore, consuming sufficient protein from high-quality sources like fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, and plant-based foods like tofu, nuts, and legumes is vital for muscle strength and preventing muscle loss during weight loss.
Lastly, among the hundreds of muscles in the body, the gluteus maximus, found in the lower limb, is the most largest muscle, essential for hip movement, posture, and supporting weight while sitting. Then, the stapedius muscle found in the middle ear is the smallest muscle, which controls the stapes bone for sound regulation and protects the inner ear from loud noises.
To conclude, as I gain more knowledge about how muscles work, it’s clear that maintaining them through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest is essential for long-term health and vitality. Muscles are not just tools for movement, but symbols of resilience, constantly rebuilding and strengthening, reminding us of the body’s remarkable capacity for growth and recovery.
It’s amazing how our body is composed of not just one but three types of muscles that vary in structure and function. Although they have different uses in our bodies, they have some of the same characteristics and functions. Our skeletal muscle’s main function is contraction and movement, while our smooth and cardiac muscles are for the movement in our blood vessels and the heart. It’s amazing how these muscles work deep in our skin without even me knowing how important they are in my daily life.
Muscles don’t appear magically, either. Muscles have a formation called myogenesis, which begins during embryonic development. It has three stages where myoblasts fuse into myotubes to create muscle fibers. After that, Myoblasts align into the myotubes and cell fusion itself. In other simpler words, as I remember back in senior high, a group of cells makes up tissue (muscle).
I also noticed why gym people always take their proteins, but now I know why. Protein is the building block of our muscular system. These proteins are components of blood that carry energy and oxygen in our body and keep us healthy because they fight off infections.
There are also the largest and smallest muscles inside the body. The largest and heaviest is our gluteus maximus, which can be seen at the hip. I can see why it is called maximus since it is the largest muscle. The smallest is stapedius, located in the middle ear’s tympanic cavity. And just like other organs inside our body, our muscular system also needs oxygen to function properly.
I like how this article is very informative about the muscles. It also serves as a study material for our upcoming major exam <3
Comparing the muscles as “little mice” beneath the skin not only gives interesting historical background to this term but also vividly brings into our minds how our bodies are so dynamic and full of life. This can be done by noting the categorization of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle types, with their different roles in detail.
It is incredible how easy it is to take for granted these functions of the muscles-they enable movement, stabilization of joints, and even support body temperature. Activities as simple as breathing or smiling rely upon the coordinated work of muscles; I was particularly intrigued about the heat generation aspect 85% contribution in our body heat coming through muscle contractions is, after all, a fascinating statistic that underlines thermoregulation through muscular systems.
It’s interesting how the word Muscle is derived from the Latin word mus meaning “little mouse,” making it more easy to visualize the way how flexed muscles beneath the skin resemble the movements of scurrying mice. Like mice who come in groups and are never alone, our body is not only composed of one, but three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Skeletal muscles, which are voluntary, allow us to perform movements like walking, running, or lifting objects. These muscles are attached to bones and work in coordination with joints to produce visible motion. Smooth muscles, on the other hand, are involuntary and line hollow organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels, regulating essential functions such as digestion and circulation. Lastly, cardiac muscles are also involuntary but are unique to the heart, enabling its rhythmic contractions to pump blood throughout the body. Together, 600 muscles make up the muscular system, which works with other systems to maintain posture, stabilize joints, generate heat, and aid in processes like digestion and circulation.
And, not only that, but muscles don’t spawn out of nowhere— Muscle development, or myogenesis, occurs in three stages during embryonic growth, influenced by factors like calcium and hormones. It has three stages where myoblasts fuse into myotubes to create muscle fibers. After that, Myoblasts align into the myotubes and cell fusion itself. A simple way to put it is that a group of cells will make up the muscle tissue.
What stands out the most about the muscles is how adaptable and strong they are if we exercise and eat the right foods, especially proteins. Even tiny muscles, like the stapedius in your ear, have big jobs to do, like protecting your ears from loud sounds. On the other hand, big muscles, like the gluteus maximus (your butt muscle), help us stand tall and run fast. The muscles even team up with the skeletal system and cardiac system, making them even more stronger to sustain us and keep us moving. Reading this article makes you realize how hard your muscles work every day, even when you’re just sitting still and doom scrolling reels on insta. I also appreciate how clear and well written the explanations are.
Reading the article has given me an in-depth understanding of muscle and the different types of muscles, which are the skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. In the articles, it says that muscles make up most of the body mass, but the primary work of the muscle is its contractibility; with this function, it makes the muscle responsible for almost all body movement, except the inner cells.
The article also tackles the different muscle types and with this article it has become a convenient for us student because it already tackles deeply in the anatomy of the muscle.
Understanding the mechanisms behind muscle growth and repair, such as the role of protein synthesis and the impact of exercise, is crucial for maintaining optimal health. By recognizing the importance of these muscular systems, we can make informed decisions about our lifestyle and fitness goals. For instance, we can tailor our diet to include sufficient protein to support muscle growth and recovery, and we can engage in regular physical activity to strengthen our muscles and improve our overall well-being.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the muscular system, effectively blending engaging descriptions with detailed biological explanations. From the etymology of the word “muscle” to the intricacies of myogenesis and muscle hypertrophy, the article seamlessly integrates diverse aspects of muscular biology. The clear explanations of muscle types, functions (including the often-overlooked roles in posture, thermoregulation, and organ protection), and the importance of protein for muscle growth are particularly noteworthy. The inclusion of specific examples, such as the largest and smallest muscles in the body and their respective functions, enhances understanding and memorability. The discussion of oxygen’s crucial role in muscle function, including the shift to anaerobic metabolism during intense exercise, adds a layer of practical relevance.
The article’s strength lies in its ability to make complex biological processes accessible and relatable. The writing style is both informative and engaging, effectively balancing scientific accuracy with clear and concise explanations. The integration of various aspects of muscular biology—from cellular processes to macroscopic functions—creates a holistic and well-rounded understanding of this vital system. The article successfully communicates the importance of the muscular system not only for movement but also for overall health and well-being.
This article is quite comprehensive and informative about the muscular system, breaking it down to types, functions, and mechanisms. It elucidates, in a crystal-clear manner, the key roles that muscles play in movement, posture, heat generation, and even protection. The knowledge of myogenesis and hypertrophy processes can add to the depth in understanding how muscles develop and grow-a foundation for health as well as for performance in sports. Overall, the text provides a good background knowledge on muscle structure and function.
This article provides a clear explanation of how muscles function in the human body, which is a topic I’m already quite familiar with. I appreciate how it covers the three types of muscles—skeletal, smooth, and cardiac—and their different roles. For example, skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movements, while smooth muscles help with processes like digestion, and cardiac muscles keep the heart beating. It’s also great to see the connection between muscle growth and protein, which I know is essential for repair and development. Additionally, I like how the article mentions the importance of oxygen in muscle function, especially during intense activities like exercise, which is something I’ve learned is key for maintaining endurance and preventing fatigue.
After reading the article, I’ve learned that the function of muscles are to produce movement, maintain posture, and support essential bodily processes. Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movements such as walking, lifting, and facial expressions. They also help maintain body posture and stability. Cardiac muscle, found only in the heart, contracts rhythmically to pump blood throughout the body without tiring. Smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels, where they work involuntarily to move substances such as food, blood, and waste. Muscles also play a role in generating heat to help regulate body temperature. They protect internal organs by providing support and cushioning. To sum it all up, muscles are essential for movement, circulation, organ function, and maintaining the body’s overall health and stability.
After reading this article, I learned that muscles do way more than just help us move. They’re essential for posture, heat regulation, and keeping organs like the heart and intestines functioning without us even thinking. We have skeletal muscles that handle voluntary actions like walking and breathing, while smooth and cardiac muscles manage involuntary tasks like digestion and blood flow. It’s my first time encountering too, that the muscle formation (myogenesis) is really such a complex process that starts in the embryo, driven by growth factors and regulated by specific proteins with even hormones like steroids can influence it. Honestly, the muscular system deserves more credit for how much it quietly does every day.
I learned that muscles are not only for movement but also for keeping posture and generating body heat. They help with breathing and protect some of our internal organs. I found it interesting that there are different types of muscles for voluntary and involuntary actions. This showed me how much our muscles do for us even without us noticing.
This paper really breaks down how muscles work in ways that make sense. It’s cool to see muscles aren’t only about moving around – instead, they help hold up your body, stabilize joints, keep you warm, plus move blood through vessels. Learning the differences among skeletal, smooth, and heart muscles showed me how each one handles specific jobs, either when you decide or without thinking. How muscles form and grow via myogenesis and getting bigger with use gives real insight into their changes over time. On top of that, pointing out why protein matters so much for strong, working muscles ties what you eat directly to how well you perform. The facts on the tiniest and biggest muscles, together with how they use oxygen when we move, keep things interesting and clear. In total, this strengthens my understanding of why muscles matter so much in daily life as well as long-term wellness.