System comprised of all the Muscles, of the body.

FUNCTIONS OF THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

· Produces Body Movements · Supports Internal Organs · Stabilization of Joints · Maintains Body Posture · Produces Heat · Promotes Flow In Veins and Lymphatic Vessels MUSCLE TYPES

There are 3 types of MUSCLES in the Human Body

· CARDIAC MUSCLE - muscle found in the heart

· SMOOTH MUSCLE - found in walls of blood vessels, urinary and genital tracts, etc. Smooth or involuntary muscles can be found in many regions of the body, such as the walls of the digestive system, assisting in them movement of food thru this system; is also found in Blood Vessels and in the Urinary and Genital Systems.

· SKELETAL MUSCLE - eg. Biceps brachii.

The smallest unit of Skeletal Muscle for the purposes of this course is known as a MYOFIBRIL. About 1000 or so Myofibrils will group together to form a MUSCLE FIBER. A group of Muscle Fibers will band together to form a MUSCLE FASCICLE. The Fascicles then form the WHOLE MUSCLE.

When portions of the Myofibril's, known as actin and myosin, become active, muscular contractions occur and the muscle will produce movement.