Muscular System Essay Example
Body in Action – Muscular System
Roughly 40% of your body mass is made up of muscle, the key purpose of which is to move the bones of your body. In this assignment muscle movements and short and long term responses to exercise will be looked at.
Types of Muscle
Within the body, there are three different types of muscle.
1. Cardiac Muscle
2. Skeletal Muscle
3. Smooth Muscle
Cardiac Muscle
This is specialised muscle of the heart (BTEC National Sport Book 1). This is an involuntary type of muscle and is continuously working within the walls of the heart. This muscle does not tire quickly and each contraction along with a relaxation can be called a heartbeat.
Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle is a type of striated muscle, usually attached to the skeleton. Skeletal muscles are used to create movement, by applying force to bones and joints; via contraction. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeletal_muscle) Unlike cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle is voluntary and can sometimes be known as voluntary muscle.
Smooth Muscle
Smooth muscle can also be known as involuntary muscle. These muscles are functioned by the nervous system and are contracted without thought. These muscles can be found in the digestive system.
Fibre Types
All skeletal muscle contains a mixture of fast and slow twitch fibres. Slow-twitch fibres contract slowly and can be used for longer periods of time. Fast-twitch fibres contract quickly and provide strength and speed, though they also tire more quickly. To a large extent this fibre combination is hereditary, so if you want to become the next gold medal winner at the Olympics it is dependant on your parents. The duration and intensity of your activity will influence the physiology of your muscle tissue and the development of your muscle fibres. Endurance athletes tend to develop a greater percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibres, while power athletes tend to develop a greater percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres.
Roughly 40% of your body mass is made up of muscle, the key purpose of which is to move the bones of your body. In this assignment muscle movements and short and long term responses to exercise will be looked at.
Types of Muscle
Within the body, there are three different types of muscle.
1. Cardiac Muscle
2. Skeletal Muscle
3. Smooth Muscle
Cardiac Muscle
This is specialised muscle of the heart (BTEC National Sport Book 1). This is an involuntary type of muscle and is continuously working within the walls of the heart. This muscle does not tire quickly and each contraction along with a relaxation can be called a heartbeat.
Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle is a type of striated muscle, usually attached to the skeleton. Skeletal muscles are used to create movement, by applying force to bones and joints; via contraction. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeletal_muscle) Unlike cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle is voluntary and can sometimes be known as voluntary muscle.
Smooth Muscle
Smooth muscle can also be known as involuntary muscle. These muscles are functioned by the nervous system and are contracted without thought. These muscles can be found in the digestive system.
Fibre Types
All skeletal muscle contains a mixture of fast and slow twitch fibres. Slow-twitch fibres contract slowly and can be used for longer periods of time. Fast-twitch fibres contract quickly and provide strength and speed, though they also tire more quickly. To a large extent this fibre combination is hereditary, so if you want to become the next gold medal winner at the Olympics it is dependant on your parents. The duration and intensity of your activity will influence the physiology of your muscle tissue and the development of your muscle fibres. Endurance athletes tend to develop a greater percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibres, while power athletes tend to develop a greater percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres.