LESSON 5
THE HUMAN MUSCULAR SYSTEM
Section I. THE SKELETAL MUSCLE
5-1. MUSCLE TISSUES
The cellular elements of muscle tissues are specialized to produce motion by
contraction. They also produce body heat. (See paragraphs 2-14 and 2-15 of lesson 2
for a discussion of muscle tissues.)
a. Smooth muscle tissue is utilized to make up the muscular portion of the
various visceral organs (stomach, blood vessels, etc.).
b. Cardiac muscle tissue makes up the muscular wall of the heart--the
myocardium.
c. Striated muscle tissue is used in the makeup of several types of muscles.
The main type of muscle is the skeletal muscle. Other types of muscles made with
striated muscle tissue are the facial or integumentary muscles and muscles of the jaw
apparatus.
5-2. THE SKELETAL MUSCLE
Each skeletal muscle is an individual organ of the human body. Each is made up
of several types of tissues--mainly, striated muscle fibers and FCT (fibrous connective
tissue). Each is attached to and moves bones. Bones are parts of the skeleton serving
as levers.
a. General Construction of a Skeletal Muscle. The large portion of a muscle
is known as its belly or fleshy belly. This muscle is attached to bones by tendons or
aponeuroses. Tendons and aponeuroses are similar to each other. However, tendons
are cord-like and aponeuroses are broad and flat. The fleshy portion may be directly
connected to the bone. If so, it is called a "fleshy attachment."
b. Muscular NAVL (Nerves, Arteries, Veins, Lymphatics).
(1) From the main NAVL (nerve, artery, vein, lymphatic), there are branches
going to each muscle. These muscular branches are bound together by an FCT sheath
to form a neurovascular bundle.
(2) The motor point is that specific location on the surface of the muscle
where the neurovascular bundle enters.
MD0006
5-2
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