MUSCULAR SYSTEM

It is responsible for the movement of the human body

7 functions of MUSCULAR SYSTEM

1. Movement of the body

2. Maintenance of posture
3. Respiration.
4. Production of body heat
5. Communication
6. Constriction of organs and vessels
7. Contraction of the heart

SKELETAL MUSCLE
Skeletal muscle, with its associated connective tissue, constitutes approximately 40% of body weight. Skeletal muscle is so
named because most of the muscles are attached to the skeletal system. It is also called striated muscle because
transverse bands, or striations, can be seen in the muscle under the microscope.

FOUR MAJOR FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. CONTRACTILITY is the ability of skeletal muscle to shorten with force.

2. EXCITABILITY is the capacity of skeletal muscle to respond to a stimulus.
3. EXTENSIBILITY means that skeletal muscles stretch.
4. ELASTICITY is the ability of skeletal muscles to recoil to their original resting length
after they have been stretched.

Muscle contraction is a fundamental physiological process that underlies all forms of body movement, from the simplest
reflexes to complex athletic activities. The energy required for muscle contraction is provided by several sources and
metabolic pathways, which allow muscles to function efficiently.

A. Energy Sources for Muscle Contraction:

1. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy currency of cells, including muscle cells. ATP provides the energy
needed for muscle contraction. This energy powers the mechanical work of muscle contraction.

2. Creatine Phosphate (CP) serves as a high-energy phosphate reserve in muscle cells. This system provides a quick
source of energy for short bursts of intense muscle contraction, such as during weightlifting or sprinting.

3. Glycolysis is an anaerobic metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate. In the absence of oxygen,
pyruvate can be further converted into lactic acid. Glycolysis generates ATP rapidly but is less efficient than aerobic
metabolism. It is essential for brief, high-intensity muscle activities when oxygen supply is limited.

4. Oxidative Phosphorylation is the primary aerobic pathway for energy production in muscle cells. This process yields a
large amount of ATP, making it the preferred energy source for sustained muscle activities like endurance running.

B. Coordination of Energy Sources: Muscles have a remarkable ability to switch between these energy sources based on
the intensity and duration of activity. During low-intensity, long-duration activities, such as walking or jogging, oxidative
phosphorylation predominates. In contrast, high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting rely on the rapid
regeneration of ATP through creatine phosphate and glycolysis.

C. Muscle Fatigue: Muscle fatigue occurs when the energy supply cannot meet the demand during prolonged muscle
activity. This can be due to the depletion of ATP, the accumulation of lactic acid, or other factors. Muscle fatigue limits
performance and can be mitigated through training and conditioning.

SKELETAL MUSCLE
 Prime Movers
Muscles that are primary concern with the movement (Agonist Muscles)
 Antagonists
working in reverse of that particular movement, preventing the prime mover to over extend
 Synergists
Helps the prime movers lending a little extra oomph stabilizing joints against dislocation
 Fixators
if a synergist immobilize the muscles’ origin bone so that the prime mover can be more effective.
 Motor Units
a group of muscle fibers that all get their Signals from the same, single motor neuron
 Large Motor Unit
Motor neurons may synapse with and innervate a thousand muscle fibers
 Small Motor Unit
A hand full of motor neuron connect to a single fine neuron that produce a specialized movement/ function

TYPES OF MUSCLE FIBERS

1. Slow oxidative (SO) fibers contract relatively slowly and use aerobic respiration (oxygen and glucose) to produce ATP.
2. Fast oxidative (FO) fibers have fast contractions and primarily use aerobic respiration, but because they may switch to
anaerobic respiration (glycolysis),can fatigue more quickly than SO fibers.
3. Fast glycolytic (FG) fibers have fast contractions and primarily use anaerobic glycolysis. The FG fibers fatigue more
quickly than the others.

FATIGUE is a temporary state of reduced work capacity. Without fatigue, muscle fibers would be worked to the point of
structural damage to them and their supportive tissues.

TYPES OF MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS

1. Isometric (equal distance) contractions, the length of the muscle does not change, but the amount of tension increases
during the contraction process. Isometric contractions are responsible for the constant length of the body’s postural
muscles,
such as the muscles of the back.

2. Isotonic (equal tension) contractions, the amount of tension produced by the muscle is constant during contraction, but
the length of the muscle decreases.

3. Concentric contractions are isotonic contractions in which muscle tension increases as the muscle shortens. Many
common movements are produced by concentric muscle contractions.

4. Eccentric contractions are isotonic contractions in which tension is maintained in a muscle, but the opposing resistance
causes the muscle to lengthen. Eccentric contractions are used when a person slowly lowers a heavy weight.

MUSCLE TONE is the constant tension produced by body muscles over long periods of time. Muscle tone is responsible for
keeping the back and legs straight, the head in an upright position, and the abdomen from bulging.

MUSCLES TYPE
SUPERFICIAL BODY MUSCULATURE
Effects of Aging on Skeletal Muscle

Aging is an inevitable biological process that impacts various systems within the human body, including skeletal muscle.
Skeletal muscle is a vital tissue responsible for locomotion, posture, and overall metabolic function. As individuals age, they
often experience a gradual decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, which can significantly affect their quality of life
and overall health.

Structural Changes in Skeletal Muscle

1. Muscle Mass Decline

One of the most prominent effects of aging on skeletal muscle is the loss of muscle mass, a condition known as
sarcopenia. Sarcopenia typically begins in middle adulthood and accelerates with advancing age.

2. Muscle Fiber Composition

Aging also affects the composition of muscle fibers. This change in fiber type composition can impact muscle
strength and endurance in older individuals.

Functional Changes in Skeletal Muscle

1. Muscle Strength and Power

Aging leads to a gradual decline in muscle strength and power. This decline is more pronounced in activities
requiring explosive strength and rapid force production, such as jumping or sprinting.

2. Muscle Fatigue
Older individuals often experience muscle fatigue more quickly during physical activities. This is partly due to a
decrease in the number of motor units and a reduction in the rate of neuromuscular transmission. Consequently, muscles
tire more easily, making sustained physical efforts challenging.

3. Mobility and Balance

Aging-related changes in skeletal muscle contribute to impaired mobility and balance.

Mechanisms Behind Aging Effects

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the aging effects on skeletal muscle is crucial. Several factors
contribute to these changes:

1. Hormonal Changes
Alterations in hormonal profiles, including decreases in testosterone and growth hormone levels, can negatively
impact muscle protein synthesis and maintenance.

2. Inflammatory Processes
Chronic low-grade inflammation, often referred to as inflammaging, can disrupt muscle tissue and contribute to
muscle wasting.

3. Oxidative Stress
Increased oxidative stress with age can damage muscle cells and impair their function, leading to muscle
weakness.

Mitigating the Effects of Aging on Skeletal Muscle

While aging-related changes in skeletal muscle are inevitable, there are strategies to mitigate their impact:

1. Regular Exercise
Engaging in a well-rounded exercise program, including resistance training, can help preserve muscle mass,
strength, and function in older adults.

2. Proper Nutrition
Adequate protein intake and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining muscle health as individuals age.

3. Hormone Replacement Therapy

In some cases, hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision may be considered to address hormonal
imbalances that contribute to muscle loss.