Muscular

System

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Muscular System
Functions
1. Movement

2. Maintain posture

3. Respiration

4. Production of body heat

5. Communication

6. Contraction of organs
and vessels

7. Heart beat
Types of Muscles
1. Skeletal

2. Cardiac

3. Smooth

3
Skeletal Muscle Characteristics
Makes up 40% of body weight

Named because attached to bones (skeleton)

Many nuclei per cell (near periphery)

Striated

Longest of muscle types

4
 Why is the nuclei in the periphery?
Peripheral nuclei are positioned to maximize the distance
between adjacent nuclei (Bruusgaard et al., 2003).

The myodomains theory states that each nucleus nourishes a

discrete portion of the muscle. If nuclei were clustered rather
than spaced evenly, different regions of the muscle would lack
the transcription and translation necessary to maintain the
myofiber (Pavlath et al., 1989).

Can be a means to protect nuclei from the force of contraction

that they would need to withstand in the central portion of the
muscle (Folker and Baylies, 2013).
Abilities of Skeletal Muscles
Contractility:
ability to shorten

Excitability:
respond to stimulus

Extensibility:
can stretch

Elasticity:
recoil 6
7
Skeletal Muscle Structures-
Connective Tissue Coverings
Epimysium: (Muscular fascia)
connective tissue that surrounds entire skeletal
muscle (outside)

Muscle fasciculus:
bundle of muscle fibers

Muscle fiber:
- skeletal muscle cells
- many nuclei 8
 Perimysium:
loose connective tissue around each muscle
fasciculus

Endomysium:
connective tissue that surrounds each muscle fiber

9
Skeletal Muscle Structures-
Muscle Fiber Structure
Sarcolemma:
- cell membrane
- contains T-tubules

T-tubules (transverse):
- wrap around sarcomeres at A band
- associated with sarcoplasmic reticulum

Sarcoplasmic reticulum:
- type of SER
- surrounds myosin
- stores and releases Ca2+
 Myofibril:
thread-like proteins that make up muscle fibers

Myofilament:
- proteins that make up myofibrils
- Ex. actin and myosin

Sarcomere:
highly ordered repeating units of actin and myosin

Sarcoplasm:
cytoplasm of muscle fiber (cell)
12
13
Figure 7.2c
Actin Myofilaments
Actin:
- thin myofilament

Troponin:
attachment site on actin
binding site for Ca2+

Tropomyosin:
filament on grooves of actin
attachment site on actin for myosin
16
Myosin Myofilament
Myosin:
- thick myofilament

Myosin Heads
-resembles the gold club head

a. Can bind to attachment sites on actin

myofilaments
b. Can bend and straighten during contraction
c. Can break down ATP that releases energy
18
 Sarcomeres

Sarcomere:
- contractile unit
- contains actin and myosin

Z disk:
protein fibers that form attachment site for actin

H zone:
center of sarcomere
contains only myosin
 I band:
contains only actin

A band:
central region of sarcomere (dark)
where actin and myosin overlap

M line:
where myosin are anchored
21
 Resting Membrane Potential
Outside cell Inside cell
Na+ K+
+ charge charge
Na+ channels closed Some K+ channels open

Why is the inside of cell negative if K+ is positive?

K+ is able to diffuse out of cell freely but other larger
negative molecules cannot.

22
Sodium-Potassium Pump
- pumps Na+ out of cell and transports K+ into cell
- restores balance

23
 Depolarization
Change in charges (membrane potential)
Inside becomes more + and outside more
Na+ channels open

25
 Repolarization
Na+ channels close
Change back to resting potential

26
 Action Potential

electricity
stimulus that causes rapid depolarization and
repolarization
causes muscle to contract

27
 Nerve Supply
Motor neuron:
nerve cells that carry action potentials to muscle fibers

Neuromuscular junction (synapse):

where nerve cell and muscle fiber meet
cell to cell junction (nerve cell and effector cell)

Motor unit:
group of muscle fibers that motor neuron stimulates

28
 Presynaptic terminal:
enlarge axon terminal
end of nerve cell (axon)

Postsynaptic membrane:
muscle fiber membrane

Synaptic cleft:
space between presynaptic terminal and
postsynaptic membrane

Synaptic vesicle:
- in presynaptic terminal
- store and release neurotransmitters

29
 Neurotransmitter
chemicals that stimulate or inhibit a muscle
fiber(post synaptic cell)
Ex. Acetylcholine (Ach)

Acetylcholinesterase
enzyme that break down acetylcholine
Ensure that one action potential in the neuron leads
to only one action potential in the skeletal muscle
and only one contraction of the muscle fiber.

30
32
 Steps in a Muscle Contraction
(Sliding Filament Theory)
1. An action potential travels down motor neuron to
presynaptic terminal causing Ca2+ channels to open.

2. Ca2+ causes synaptic vesicles to release acetylcholine

into synaptic cleft.

3. Acetylcholine binds to receptor sites on Na+ channels,

Na+ channels open, and Na+ rushes into postsynaptic
terminal (depolarization).

4. Na+ causes sarcolemma and t-tubules to increase the

permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum which releases
stored calcium. 33
5. Ca2+ binds to troponin which is attached to actin.

6. Ca2+ binding to troponin causes tropomyosin to move

exposing attachment sites for myosin.

7. Myosin heads bind to actin.

8. ATP is released from myosin heads and heads bend

toward center of sarcomere.

9. Bending forces actin to slide over myosin.

10. Acetylcholinesterase (enzyme breaks down

acetylcholine) is released, Na+ channels close, and
muscle contraction stops.
34
 Action
Presynaptic potential
terminal

1. Action potential travels down the motor neuron to

presynaptic terminal causing Ca2+ channels to open.
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 Presynaptic
terminal

ACh

2. Ca2+ causes synaptic vesicles release acetylcholine into

synaptic cleft.
36
 Synaptic cleft

Na+
ACh

Receptor
Na+ molecule

3. Acetylcholine binds to receptor molecules on Na+ channels, Na+

channels open, and Na+ rushes into the postsynpatic terminal
(depolarization). 37
 Ca2+

Sarcoplasmic
reticulum T tubule

Sarcomere
in myofibril

4. Na+ causes sarcolemma and T-tubules to increase

permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum and stored Ca2+
is released.

38
 Action
potential
Ca2+
Sarcolemma
Sarcoplasmic
reticulum T tubule
Actin Ca2+
myofilament
Sarcomere
Myosin
in myofibril
myofilament

Ca2+ Ca2+ binds

to troponin
Troponin Actin
Tropomyosin
myofilament

Myosin
myofilament

5. Ca2+ binds to troponin which is attached to actin. 39

 Action
potential
Ca2+
Sarcolemma
Sarcoplasmic
reticulum T tubule
Actin Ca2+
myofilament
Sarcomere
Myosin
in myofibril
myofilament

Ca2+ Ca2+ binds

to troponin
Troponin Actin
Tropomyosin
myofilament

Myosin
myofilament
6. Ca2+ binding to troponin causes tropomyosin to move exposing
attachment sites for myosin.
40
 Ca2+

Active site
Cross-bridge
Active sites
exposed

7. Myosin heads bind to actin.

41
 ATP ATP ATP

8. ATP is released from myosin heads and the heads bend

toward the center of the sarcomere.

42
9. The bending forces actin to slide over myosin.

43
 ACh Choline Acetic
acid
ACh
receptor
site

Acetylcholinesterase

10. Acetylcholinesterase is released and Na+ channels close and

contraction stops.
44
 ATP and Muscle Contractions
Energy for muscle contractions supplied by ATP
Energy is released as ATP ADP + P
ATP is stored in myosin heads
ATP help form cross-bridge formation between myosin
and actin
New ATP must bind to myosin before cross-bridge is
released

Rigor mortis:
person dies and no ATP is available to release cross-
bridges
Other Information
ATP is made in mitochondria from aerobic or anaerobic
respiration.

During a muscle contraction, H zone and I band

shorten but A band stays the same.

Striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle are due to

sarcomeres (actin and myosin).

48
 Muscle Twitch
Contraction of muscle fiber in response to stimulus

3 Phases
1. Lag phase (Latent phase)
Between the stimulus and between contraction
2. Contraction phase
Time during muscle contracts
3. Relaxation phase
Muscle relaxes
 Terms
Threshold:
weakest stimulus needed to produce a response

All or None Law:

muscle contracts or doesnt (no in between)

Twitch:
rapid contraction and relaxation of a muscle

Tetanus:
muscle remains contracted

51
 Isometric:
amount of tension increases (weight)

Isotonic:
amount of repetitions increases

Tone:
constant tension over a long period of time

52
Slow and Fast Twitch Fibers
Slow Twitch Fibers
Contract slowly
Fatigue slowly
Long distance runners
Use aerobic respiration
Energy from fat
Dark meat
Red or dark because of myoglobin
Myoglobin: helps O2 bind in muscle

53
Fast Twitch Fibers

Contract quickly
Fatigue quickly
Sprinters
Use anaerobic respiration
Energy from glycogen
White meat

54
 Other Facts about Twitch Fibers
Humans have both types of fibers

Distribution of fibers is genetically determined

Neither type can be converted but capacity can be

increased through intense exercise

55
Energy Requirement for Muscle Contraction
1. Aerobic production of ATP during most exercise and
normal conditions

2. Anaerobic production of ATP during intensive short-

term work

3. Conversion of creatine phosphate to ATP.

4. Conversion of 2 ADP to 1 ATP and 1 AMP during

heavy exercise
 Aerobic Respiration
Occurs in mitochondria
Requires oxygen
Breaks down glucose to produce ATP, CO2 and H2O
Can also use amino acids or lipids to make ATP

Anaerobic Respiration
Oxygen is not needed
Breaks down glucose to produce ATP and lactate
Fatigue
Temporary state of reduced work capacity

1. Acidosis and ATP Depletion

2. Oxidative Stress
3. Local inflammatory reactions
Acidosis and ATP Depletion
Lower pH due to anaerobic respiration

Decreased effectiveness of calcium on actin and

release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Oxidative Stress
Intense exercise
ROS breakdown proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) trigger the immune system
muscle sore
Inflammation
T-lymphocytes migrate heavily on worked muscles

Physiological Contracture
Extreme muscular fatigue
Muscle became incapable of either contracting or
relaxing

Psychological fatigue
Involves the central nervous system
The muscle can still contract, but the CNS controls
Prevents complete exhaustion of ATP reserves
Cardiac Muscle Characteristics

Heart
1 centrally located
nucleus/cell
Striated
Rich in mitochondria
Intercalated disks:
special cell junctions
that allow cells to act
as a unit

63
Smooth Muscle Characteristics
Found on organs
1 centrally located
nucleus/cell
Not striated
Less actin and myosin
Under involuntary control

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Skeletal Muscle Anatomy

Tendons

Aponeuroses
Sheet-like tendons

Retinaculum
Band of connective tissue that hold down the tendons
at each wrist and ankle
 Origin:
non-movable end

Insertion:
movable end

Belly:
middle

Antagonist:
muscles that oppose each other

Synergists:
muscles that work together
Prime mover
Muscle that plays the major function
Fixators
Muscle that holds one bone in place relative to the body while a
usually distal bone is moved.
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 Nomenclature
Location:
Ex. tibialis anterior ; pectoralis

Origin/insertion:
Ex. Sternocleidomastoid

Number of origins
Ex. Biceps; Triceps

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 Size:
Ex. gluteus maximus

Shape:
Ex. deltoid (triangular)

Function:
Ex. Masseter ; Flexor digitorum
 Muscles of Head
Occipitofrontalis:
raises eyebrows (forehead)

Orbicularis oculi:
allows blinking (eyes)

Orbicularis oris:
encircles the mouth

Buccinator
kissing muscle/ trumpeters muscle

Zygomaticus:
smiling muscle (cheek) 72
 Masseter:
chewing (mastication) muscle

Levator labii superioris

sneering/ talking

Depressor anguli oris

frowning and pouting
depresses the corner of the mouth
Muscles of Facial Expression

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 Mastication
Some of the strongest muscle in the body.
Muscles of Facial Expression

77
Tongue and Swallowing Muscles
Neck Muscles
Sternocleidomastoid
prime mover of the lateral muscle group
rotates the head

Torticollis
wry neck/ twisted neck
Muscles of Facial Expression

81
Trunk Muscles
Includes those that move the vertebral column, thorax and
abdominal wall and pelvic floor
 Muscles moving the Vertebrae

Erector spinae
Responsible for
keeping the back
straight and body
erect

Deep back muscles

Several
movements of the
vertebrae including
extension, lateral
flexion and rotation
 Thoracic Muscles
External intercostals:
elevate ribs for inspiration

Internal intercostals:
depress ribs during forced expiration

Diaphragm:
moves during quiet breathing
 Abdominal Wall Muscles
Linea alba
-tendinous area of the abdominal wall

Rectus abdominis
- center of abdomen
- compresses abdomen

Tendinous intersections
- cross the abdominis causing the abdominal wall
to appear segmented
 External abdominal oblique:
- sides of abdomen
- compresses abdomen

Internal abdominal oblique:

compresses abdomen

Transverse abdominis:
compresses abdomen
Pelvic Floor and Perineal Muscles
Levator ani
Formed the pelvic floor pelvic diaphragm

Perineum
Associated with the reproductive organs
For urination and defecation
Upper Limb Muscles
 Scapular movements
Trapezius
- shoulders and upper back
- extends neck and head

Levator scapulae

Rhomboids

Serratus anterior:
- between ribs
- elevates ribs

Pectoralis minor:
- chest
- elevates ribs
 Arm movements
Latissimus dorsi
Medially rotates and adducts the arm and powerfully
extend the shoulder
Swimmers muscle

Pectoralis Major
Adducts the arm and flexes shoulder

Deltoid
Shoulder
abductor or upper limbs

Rotator cuff
Stabilize the joint by holding the head of the humerus in the
glenoid cavity during arm movement especially abduction
 Forearm movements
Triceps brachii:
- 3 heads
- extends elbow

Biceps brachii:
- flexing muscle
- flexes elbow and shoulder
 Forearm muscles
Pronator
Pronation turning the forearm, palm down
Supinator
Supination turning the forearm, palm up

Anterior muscles flexion of the wrist and fingers

Posterior muscles extensions

Flexor carpi
Muscle that flex the wrist
Extensor carpi
Muscle that extend the wrist
 Flexor digitorum
Flexion of the fingers

Extensor digitorum
Extension of the fingers

Intrinsic hand muscles

19 muscles located within the hand

Interossei
Muscles located between the metacarpal bones
Adduction and abduction of the fingers
Lower Limb Muscles
Muscles of Hips and Thighs
Iliopsoas
flexes hip

Tensor fasciae latae

Steady the femur on tibia

Gluteus maximus
Buttocks
extends hip and abducts thigh

Gluteus medius
Hip
abducts and rotates thigh
 Muscles of Upper Leg
Quadriceps femoris
4 thigh muscles

Rectus femoris
front of thigh
extends knee and flexes hip
Vastus lateralis
extends knee
Vastus medialis
extends knee
Vastus intermedius
extends knee
 Sartorius
Flexes the knee and hip, rotates the thigh

Gracilis
adducts thigh and flexes knee

Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus

Hamstring
back of thigh
flexes knee, rotates leg, extends hip

Adductor muscles
Adducting the thigh
 Muscles of Lower Leg
Tibialis anterior
front of lower leg
inverts foot
Gastrocnemius
calf
flexes foot and leg
Soleus
attaches to ankle
flexes foot
Achilles tendon- formed by gastrocnemius and soleus

Fibularis
Primary everters (turning the lateral site of the foot outward)
Intrinsic foot muscles
20 muscles in the foot for flexing, extending, abducting and
adducting the toes
Effects of Aging on the Muscular
System
Decreased muscle mass

Slower reaction time

Reduced stamina

Increased recovery time

 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Progressive
muscle weakness
and muscle
atrophy

Rising from the

floor to a standing
position is difficult

TREATMENT
Physical therapy
to prevent
contractures