The human muscle system is responsible for driving all of our vital activities, and the correct functioning of this system is essential. To fulfil their individual roles, all muscles must convert chemical energy obtained from food into the mechanical energy required to perform their function.
While everyone knows muscles are important for movement, some may be surprised to learn that the muscular system performs several other critical roles in maintaining our overall health and function.
In this blog article, we explain the five main functions of the muscular system, and we explore how these functions impact our everyday lives.
The most well-known function of the muscular system is movement. Skeletal muscles are attached to individual bones, and they enable all voluntary movements of the body. Whether you’re walking, lifting, running, or simply waving, skeletal muscles pull on bones to create these actions.
The importance of muscle movement extends beyond just the limbs. For example, the respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm, facilitate breathing by expanding and contracting the lungs, and the facial muscles enable expressions that convey our emotions.
Muscles also provide essential support to the body. As a general rule, muscle health is crucial for posture, balance, and overall stability.
The muscles of the body wall, particularly those in the abdomen and back, are especially important for holding internal organs in place, and also for helping to maintain the structure of the body.
As we age, these muscles lose strength or tone, and eventually they become less effective at supporting the body.
While bones and skin offer a layer of physical protection to the body, muscles add an additional protective layer for the internal organs. For example, the abdominal muscles form a protective wall around the internal organs in the abdominal cavity.
In the event of an external force, such as a fall or collision, these muscles act as a protective cushion, reducing the risk of severe internal injury.
Muscle activity is directly linked to heat generation, which helps regulate body temperature. When muscles contract, they produce heat as a byproduct of energy expenditure. This process helps maintain a stable internal body temperature of around 37°C.
In winter, the body responds to cold by shivering. This is an involuntary contraction of muscles designed to generate more heat and maintain a safe temperature.
The muscular system also plays a vital role in supporting blood circulation. Cardiac muscles are responsible for the heart’s rhythmic contractions, which pump blood throughout the body.
Additionally, smooth muscle in the arteries (and other vessels) helps to regulate the flow of blood and maintain blood pressure within acceptable limits.
Without the continuous and precise functioning of these muscles, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, as well as the removal of waste products, would be compromised.
The muscular system is composed of three main types of muscle, each serving a unique purpose.
Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles responsible for movement. There are nearly 700 skeletal muscles in the human body, and together they make up about 40% of a person’s body weight.
Skeletal muscles work by contracting and pulling on bones, causing movement at the joints. These muscles are essential not only for physical activity but also for maintaining posture and supporting the skeleton.
As a general rule, they can be consciously controlled, making them crucial for athletic performance, everyday tasks, and all deliberate physical actions.
Smooth muscles are found within the walls of internal organs and blood vessels. They are involuntary muscles and are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
Smooth muscles help control functions such as digestion, blood flow, and the regulation of airways. For example, smooth muscles in the digestive tract help move food through the system, while those in the blood vessels help regulate blood pressure by controlling the diameter of the vessels.
Cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the heart. This type of muscle contracts in a rhythmic manner to pump blood throughout the body. Like smooth muscles, cardiac muscles are involuntary
The cardiac muscle has a unique structure that allows it to cycle rhythmically between contraction and relaxation, continuously maintaining this activity throughout its (and your) lifespan. Cardiac muscle coordination and strength are crucial for effective blood circulation and overall heart health.
Within skeletal muscles, there are two main types of muscle fibre, slow-twitch fibres and fast-twitch fibres. These fibres perform distinct roles, contributing to different aspects of physical function and athletic performance.
Slow-twitch fibres are designed for endurance and are highly efficient at using oxygen to generate energy over extended periods. These fibres contract slowly and are well-suited for activities such as distance running, cycling, or long swims.
In summary, slow-twitch fibres are primarily used in aerobic activities that require sustained effort, making them key for endurance sports and prolonged physical activity.
Fast-twitch fibres are built for short bursts of strength and speed. They contract quickly and powerfully, but they fatigue more easily than slow-twitch fibres.
In summary, fast-twitch fibres are primarily used in anaerobic activities such as sprinting and weightlifting. Athletes who rely on explosive power or rapid, intense movements—for example, sprinters—depend heavily on these muscle fibres for peak performance.
The muscular system is more than just a network of muscles that helps us move. It serves multiple other critical functions, including support, protection, heat generation, and blood circulation.
Together, the skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles ensure that we can perform both simple everyday tasks and athletic activities. Hence, taking care of the muscular system is key to overall health and wellbeing.
By maintaining muscle strength and function through regular exercise and proper nutrition, we can support all five main functions of the muscular system and live healthier, more active lives.
Our practice is located in Stroud. Our neighbouring service areas include Nailsworth, Stonehouse & Gloucester.
Branding & website design by theshapingbay.com