1. The Muscle Tissue

2. Muscle Tissue Made up of excitable cells capable of contraction
Type of animal cell
Contains numerous microfilaments
-These are composed of actin, myosin and contractile
3 types:
-Cardiac
-Skeletal
-Visceral/ Smooth

3. Cardiac Muscle Only found in the heart
Cells are joined together by intercalated discs that allow for the synchronization of the heart beat
Involuntarily controlled
-Hormones and Signals from the brain adjust the rate of contraction
Branched, striated muscle

4. Skeletal Muscle Attached to bones by tendons
Associated with the body's voluntary movements
Unbranched, striated muscle

5. Visceral/ Smooth
Found in all organs except the heart including the arteries, bladder and digestive tract
Also known as smooth muscle since it lacks cross-striations
Contracts slower than skeletal muscle, but contractions can be sustained for long periods of time
-Moves substances throughout the body
Weakest tissue

6. Interesting Facts Adults have a certain number of muscle cells
Cells increase in size through exercise, but the overall number does not increase
Skeletal muscle is voluntary since they have control
-Reflex reactions don't count, they're involuntary reaction to external stimuli
Visceral/ Smooth and Cardiac muscles are involuntary
-Controlled by Peripheral Nervous System
-Peripheral Nervous System consists of brain, spinal cord and a complex network of neurons