The Muscle Tissue

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

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

Skeletal Muscle

Attached to bones by tendons

Associated with the body's voluntary movements

Unbranched, striated muscle

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

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