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Chapter Overview
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Bones and joints do not themselves produce movement. By alternating between contraction and relaxation, muscles cause bones and supported structures to move. The human body has more than 600 individual muscles. Although each muscle is a distinct structure, muscles act in groups to perform particular movements. This chapter focuses on the differences among three muscle tissue types, the structure of skeletal muscles, muscle actions, and the names of skeletal muscles.

Outline

  • Functions of Muscle
  • Types of Muscle Tissue
  • Production of Energy for Muscle
  • Structure of Skeletal Muscles
  • Attachments and Actions of Skeletal Muscles
  • Major Skeletal Muscles

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 26, you will be able to:

 26.1 List the functions of muscle.
 26.2 List the three types of muscle tissue and describe the locations and characteristics of each.
 26.3 Describe how visceral (smooth) muscle produces peristalsis.
 26.4 Explain how muscle tissue generates energy.
 26.5 Describe the structure of a skeletal muscle.
 26.6 Define the terms origin and insertion.
 26.7 List and define the various types of body movements produced by skeletal muscles.
 26.8 List and identify the major skeletal muscles of the body, giving the action of each.
 26.9 Explain the differences between strain and sprain injuries.
 26.10 Describe the changes that occur to the muscular system as a person ages.
 26.11 Describe the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments of various diseases and disorders of the muscular system.

Summary

Skeletal muscle works in conjunction with the skeletal sys-tem to produce movement. This movement is accomplished voluntarily. In addition, skeletal muscles help stabilize joints and are important in heat production. Muscles under involuntary control include smooth and cardiac muscle. Smooth muscles control body openings and passages. Cardiac muscle is responsible for the pumping action of the heart. Medical assistants should understand the muscular system in order to give muscular injections, prepare patients for massage therapy, demonstrate ambulatory techniques, and assist in the care (and prevention) of sprains and strains, as well as other muscular disorders.





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