Muscular System

What’s the Purpose? The Muscular system’s main function is to assist our body with movement. Muscles pull the bones to produce movement.

Types of Muscles There are 3 types of muscles: Skeletal Muscles are voluntary muscles, meaning you have to consciously move them. Cardiac muscles and smooth muscles are involuntary muscles, meaning that you do not have to think about using them.

Skeletal Muscles Skeletal muscles are voluntary Give your body power and strength Attached to your bones with tendons and stretch across your joints Move your body parts by contracting (tensing up) and relaxing (letting go) Work in pairs called flexors and extensors

Skeletal Muscles Help you do things like walking, running, swimming, smiling, frowning, tying your shoes, etc.

Cardiac Muscles Cardiac muscles are involuntary muscles, you don’t have to think about using them. Your cardiac muscle keeps your heart beating

How do You Move? To allow you to move, the brain sends messages through the spinal cord to the nerves in your muscles. The nerves contract the muscle you want to move then sends messages back to the brain.

How to Build and Keep Strong Muscles Participate in physical activities including sports and other exercise Stay active throughout the day Get enough sleep Eat a nutritious and balanced diet

Smooth Muscles Smooth muscles are also involuntary, you don’t have to think about using them. Your stomach, intestines, and bladder all use involuntary muscles. They allow you to digest food and eliminate waste.