The Muscular System

Key Notes :

What is the Muscular System?

• The muscular system is made up of muscles that help the body move.
• Muscles are soft tissues that can stretch and contract.

Types of Muscles:

• Skeletal Muscles: Attached to bones; they help in moving our arms, legs, and other body parts. These muscles are controlled by us (voluntary).
• Smooth Muscles: Found in internal organs like the stomach and intestines; they work automatically (involuntary).
• Cardiac Muscle: Found only in the heart; it keeps the heart pumping blood throughout the body.

How Muscles Work:

• Muscles work by contracting (getting shorter) and relaxing (returning to their original shape).
• They work in pairs; when one muscle contracts, the other relaxes. For example, when you bend your arm, the biceps muscle contracts while the triceps muscle relaxes.

Why Are Muscles Important?

• Muscles allow us to walk, run, jump, lift things, and even smile.
• They also help our body maintain its shape and support our posture.
• Some muscles, like the heart muscle, are essential for life because they help pump blood.

Caring for Muscles:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps keep muscles strong and healthy.
• Healthy Diet: Eating foods rich in protein helps build muscle tissue.
• Rest: Muscles need time to rest and repair after physical activities.

Fun Facts:

• There are over 600 muscles in the human body!
• The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body.
• The muscles of the eye are the fastest-reacting muscles, moving in less than a second.

Let’s practice!