Muscle

Musculus

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

A muscle is a specialized contractile tissue of the body responsible for producing movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat. It consists of elongated cells (muscle fibres) that contract in response to neural stimulation.

Muscles are classified into three types

  • Skeletal muscle: Voluntary, striated fibres attached to bones; responsible for body movements.

  • Cardiac muscle: Involuntary, striated muscle found exclusively in the heart.

  • Smooth muscle: Involuntary, non-striated muscle found in the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels; regulates internal movements such as peristalsis and vascular tone.

References

  • Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.