Muscle tissue

A specialized tissue responsible for facilitating movement in the body.

Muscle tissue is a type of biological tissue that has the unique ability to contract and produce movement. It is composed of elongated cells called muscle fibers, which enable the various forms of movement by either contracting or relaxing in response to stimuli. There are three major types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth, each with distinct structures and functions.

Terminologia Anatomica

musculus-tissu

System

Musculoskeletal system

Function

The main function of muscle tissue is to facilitate movement throughout the body. Skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control, allows for the movement of limbs and the body as a whole, enabling activities such as walking, lifting, and running. Cardiac muscle, found exclusively in the heart, is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and organs. Smooth muscle, located in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines and blood vessels, controls involuntary movements like the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels or the peristaltic movement of food through the digestive tract. This intricate interplay of muscle types plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall function and homeostasis.

Location

Muscle tissue is distributed throughout the entire body, with each type of muscle serving specific locations and functions. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones via tendons and is found all over the body, especially in the arms, legs, torso, and face. Cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the heart, forming the majority of its structure, while smooth muscle lines the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, and blood vessels. The strategic locations of these muscles are critical for their roles in locomotion, circulation, and digestion.

Did You Know?

Skeletal muscle tissue makes up about 40% of the total body weight.
Cardiac muscle cells can continue to beat rhythmically, even when removed from the body, due to their intrinsic electrical properties.
Smooth muscle can maintain tension for long periods without tiring, allowing organs like the bladder and uterus to function effectively.
Muscle tissue can adapt to aerobic or anaerobic conditions, enhancing its endurance or strength depending on the type of training.