Musculature

Musculature: structure, functions and significance

Musculature: structure, functions and importance for the human body

Types of musculature

Musculature is divided into three main types:

Skeletal musculature: Controlled voluntarily, enables movements such as walking and lifting.
Smooth muscle: Involuntarily controlled, found in organs such as the intestines.
Cardiac musculature: Specialised, involuntary type of muscle that makes the heart beat.

Structure of the musculature

Muscles consist of muscle fibres that contain myofibrils. These consist of the proteins actin and myosin, which are responsible for contractions. The muscle fibres are organised in bundles and surrounded by connective tissue

Functions of the musculature

Movement: Enables locomotion and precise movements.
Posture: Stabilises the body and ensures an upright posture.
Heat production: Supports the regulation of body temperature.
Protection: Protects sensitive organs and absorbs shocks.
Body processes: Controls digestion, blood flow and other vital processes.

Muscular disorders

Muscle tension: Caused by overload or stress.
Muscle strains: Overstretching of muscle fibres, often caused by sport.
Muscular dystrophy: Hereditary disease that causes muscle weakness.
Muscle cramps: Often caused by magnesium deficiency or dehydration.

Care of the muscles

Regular exercise: Promotes muscle strength and function.
Healthy diet: Proteins, vitamins and minerals strengthen the muscles.
Hydration: Helps to prevent muscle cramps.
Stretching exercises: Improve flexibility and prevent tension.

Worth knowing

The human body has over 600 muscles, which account for around 40% of body weight. The strongest muscle relative to its size is the masseter muscle