Site MapHelpFeedbackMuscular System: Histology and Physiology
Muscular System: Histology and Physiology


<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=jpg::::/sites/dl/free/0072507470/234423/see7ch09.jpg','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (66.0K)</a>

Movements of the limbs, heart, and other parts of the body are made possible by muscle cells that function like tiny motors. Muscle cells use energy extracted from nutrient molecules much like motors use energy provided by electric current. The nervous system regulates and coordinates muscle cells so that smooth, coordinated movements are produced much like a computer regulates and coordinates several motors in robotic machines that perform assembly line functions.

This chapter presents the functions of the muscular system (p. 276) , general functional characteristics of muscle (p. 276), and skeletal muscle structure (p. 277). The sliding filament model (p. 281) of muscle contraction is explained. The physiology of skeletal muscle fibers (p. 283), the physiology of skeletal muscle (p. 293), the types of muscle contractions (p. 296), fatigue (p. 299), energy sources (p. 300), slow and fast fibers (p. 301), and heat production (p. 303) are presented. The structure and function of smooth muscle (p. 303) and cardiac muscle (p. 307) are introduced, but cardiac muscle is discussed in greater detail in chapter 20. Finally the effects of aging on skeletal muscle (p. 308) are presented. Because skeletal muscle is more abundant and more is known about it, skeletal muscle is examined in the greatest detail.











Seeley/Stephens/TateOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 9