Tendon : attaches muscle to bone

Fascia : encloses muscles and separates them into groups

Ligament : attaches bone to bone or bone to cartilage

Origin : the less movable of the two points of attachment. Attaches to the fixed part of the skeleton

Insertion : the point of attachment by a muscle

Muscle cells

Skeletal muscle: also called voluntary muscle because they are controlled at will. Also called striated because they have a striped microscopic appearance. When muscles contract the fibers become shorter and thicker

striated

Smooth Muscle: also called visceral, nonstriated or involuntary muscle. Many of the internal organs are made of smooth muscle including:

bladder

uterus

Smooth muscle vs skeletal muscle

Cardiac muscle is involuntary but does show very fine striations

cardiac striated smooth

Muscle Attachments: attachment to tendons (eg phalanges) results in movement and reduces bulk. Voluntary muscles usually attach to bone.

Muscles may also be attached to skin, mucous membranes or the fascia of other muscles.