Marine First Aid Level 4 (VTQ)

205 videos, 10 hours and 7 minutes

Course Content

The Muscular System

Video 9 of 205
2 min 34 sec
English
English
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Overview of the Muscular System

This guide explores the three main types of muscle tissue in the human body, their functions, and properties.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Location: Found in the digestive, reproductive, circulatory, and urinary systems.

Function: Operates involuntarily, controlling various internal processes.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Location: Exclusive to the heart.

Function: Regulated by the sinoatrial node to maintain a heart rhythm, typically around 72 beats per minute in a resting, healthy person.

Characteristic: Exhibits autorhythmicity, a specific heart contraction pattern.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Function: Facilitates movement by attaching muscles to joints via tendons, controlled voluntarily by the somatic nervous system.

Roles: Includes locomotion, posture maintenance, and internal substance transportation like glycogen.

Properties of Muscles

Muscles generally possess four key properties:

  • Elasticity - ability to stretch and return to original length
  • Contractility - capability to shorten and generate force
  • Electrical Excitability - responsiveness to stimulation
  • Extensibility - capacity to be extended without damage

For more detailed information on the muscular system, consult a healthcare professional or anatomist.