ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LEC Skeletal muscle is also called striated muscle because

Prepared by: transverse bands, or striations, can be seen in the muscle under
QUEENNE KIMVERLEE C. LANDINGIN, RN, LPT, RM, MAN the microscope.
Individual skeletal muscles, such as the biceps brachii, are
MUSCULAR SYSTEM complete organs, as a result of being comprised of several
Types of Muscles tissues: muscle, nerve, and connective tissue.
Skeletal
• attached to bones Connective Tissue Coverings
• striated
• voluntarily controlled Each skeletal muscle is surrounded by a connective tissue
Cardiac sheath called the epimysium.
• located in the heart A skeletal muscle is subdivided into groups of muscle cells,
• striated termed fascicles.
• involuntarily controlled Each fascicle is surrounded by a connective tissue covering,
Smooth termed the perimysium.
• Located in blood vessels, hollow organs Each skeletal muscle cell (fiber) is surrounded by a connective
• Non-striated tissue covering, termed the endomysium.
• involuntarily controlled
Functions Muscle Fiber Structure
1. Movement
2. Maintain posture A muscle fiber is a single cylindrical cell, with several nuclei
3. Respiration located at its periphery.
4. Production of body heat Muscle fibers range in length 1 cm to 30 cm and are generally
5. Communication 0.15 mm in diameter.
6. Heart beat Skeletal muscle fibers contain several nuclei that are located at
7. Contraction of organs and vessels the periphery of the fiber.
The sarcolemma (cell membrane) has many tubelike inward
folds, called transverse tubules, or T tubules.

T tubules occur at regular intervals along the muscle fiber and

extend into the center of the muscle fiber.
The T tubules are associated with enlarged portions of the
smooth endoplasmic reticulum called the sarcoplasmic
reticulum.
The enlarged portions are called terminal cisternae.
T tubules connect the sarcolemma to the terminal cisternae to
form a muscle triad.

Muscle Fiber Structure

The sarcoplasmic reticulum has a relatively high concentration

of Ca2+, which plays a major role in muscle contraction.
The cytoplasm of a muscle fiber is called the sarcoplasm, which
contains many bundles of protein filaments.
Bundles of protein filaments are called myofibrils.
Myofibrils consist of the myofilaments, actin and myosin.

Properties of Muscles Structure of Skeletal Muscle

Contractility - the ability of muscle to shorten forcefully, or
contract The Sarcomere
Excitability - the capacity of muscle to respond to a stimulus
Extensibility - the ability to be stretched beyond it normal The sarcomere is the basic
resting length and still be able to contract structural and functional unit of
Elasticity - the ability of the muscle to recoil to its original a skeletal muscle because it is
resting length after it has been stretched the smallest portion of a skeletal
muscle capable of contracting.
Skeletal Muscle Structure Z disks form a network of
protein fibers that both serve as
an anchor for actin myofilaments and separate one sarcomere • The presence of many negatively charged molecules,
from the next. such as proteins, inside the cell that are too large to
A sarcomere extends from one Z disk to the next Z disk. exit the cell
• The presence of leak protein channels in the
Light bands, consist only of actin, and are called I bands that membrane that are more permeable to K+ than it is to
extends toward the center of the sarcomere to the ends of the Na+
myosin myofilaments.
Dark staining bands are called A bands, that extend the length Na+ tends to diffuse into the cell and K+ tends to diffuse out.
of the myosin myofilaments. In order to maintain the resting membrane potential, the
Actin and myosin myofilaments overlap for some distance on sodium-potassium pump recreates the Na+ and K+ ion gradient
both ends of the A band; this overlap causes the contraction. by pumping Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell.

Actin myofilaments are made up of three components: actin,

troponin, and tropomyosin.
Troponin molecules have binding sites for Ca 2+ and
tropomyosin filaments block the myosin myofilament binding
sites on the actin myofilaments.
Myosin myofilaments, or thick myofilaments, resemble bundles
of tiny golf clubs.
Myosin heads have ATP binding sites, ATPase and attachment
spots for actin.
Action Potential
Skeletal Muscle Fiber
To initiate a muscle contraction, the resting membrane
potential must be changed to an action potential.
Changes in the resting membrane potential occur when gated
cell membrane channels open.
In a skeletal muscle fiber, a nerve impulse triggers gated Na +
channels to open and Na+ diffuses into the cell down its
concentration gradient and toward the negative charges inside
the cell.

The entry of Na+ causes the inside of the cell membrane to

become more positive than when the cell is at resting
membrane potential.
This increase in positive charge inside the cell membrane is
called depolarization.
If the depolarization changes the membrane potential to a
value called threshold, an action potential is triggered.
An action potential is a rapid change in charge across the cell
membrane.
Excitability of Muscle Fibers
Depolarization during the action potential is when the inside of
The electrical charge difference across the cell membrane of an the cell membrane becomes more positively charged than the
unstimulated cell is called the resting membrane potential. outside of the cell membrane.
Muscle cells (fibers) have a resting membrane potential, but can Near the end of depolarization, the positive charge causes
also perform action potentials. gated Na+ channels to close and gated K+ channels to open.
The resting membrane potential is due to the inside of the Opening of gated K+ channels starts repolarization of the cell
membrane being negatively charged in comparison to the membrane.
outside of the membrane being positively charged.
Action potentials are due to the membrane having gated Repolarization is due to the exit of K+ from the cell.
channels. The outward diffusion of K+ returns the cell to its resting
membrane conditions and the action potential ends.
Resting Membrane Potential In a muscle fiber, an action potential results in muscle
The resting membrane potential exists because of: contraction.
• The concentration of K+ being higher on the inside of
the cell membrane and the concentration of Na+ being Depolarization
higher on the outside
change in charges ATP and Muscle Contractions
inside becomes more + and outside more – Energy for muscle contractions is supplied by ATP
Na+ channels open 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 will occur when a person dies and no ATP is
available to release cross-bridges

Muscle Twitch
A muscle twitch is a single contraction of a muscle fiber in
response to a stimulus.
Nerve Supply
A muscle twitch has three phases: latent phase, contraction
A motor neuron is a nerve cell stimulates muscle cells.
phase, and relaxation phase.
A neuromuscular junction is a synapse where a the fiber of a
The latent phase is the time between the application of a
nerve connects with a muscle fiber.
stimulus and the beginning of contraction.
A synapse refers to the cell-to-cell junction between a nerve
The contraction phase is the time during which the muscle
cell and either another nerve cell or an effector cell, such as in a
contracts and the relaxation phase is the time during which the
muscle or a gland.
muscle relaxes.
A motor unit is a group of muscle fibers that a motor neuron
stimulates.
Summation and Recruitment
A presynaptic terminal is the end of a neuron cell axon fiber.
A synaptic cleft is the space between the presynaptic terminal
In summation, individual muscles contract more forcefully.
and postsynaptic membrane.
Tetanus is a sustained contraction that occurs when the
The postsynaptic membrane is the muscle fiber
frequency of stimulation is so rapid that no relaxation occurs.
membrane (sarcolemma).
Recruitment is the stimulation of several motor units.
A synaptic vesicle is a vesicle in the presynaptic terminal that
stores and releases neurotransmitter chemicals.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that stimulate or inhibit
Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types
postsynaptic cells.
Slow twitch fibers
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that stimulates skeletal
• contract slowly
muscles.
• fatigue slowly
• have a considerable amount of myoglobin
Function of the Neuromuscular Junction
• use aerobic respiration
• are dark in color
Muscle Contraction
• used by long distance runners
Fast twitch fibers
1. An action potential travels down motor neuron to
• contract quickly
presynaptic terminal causing Ca2+ channels to open.
• fatigue quickly
2. Ca2+ causes synaptic vesicles to release acetylcholine
• use anaerobic respiration
into synaptic cleft.
• energy from glycogen
3. Acetylcholine binds to receptor sites on Na+ channels,
• light color
Na+ channels open, and Na+ rushes into postsynaptic
• used by sprinters
terminal (depolarization).
4. Na+ causes sarcolemma and t-tubules to increase the
A muscle has a blend of types, with one type dominating.
permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum which releases
Humans have both types of fibers
stored calcium.
The distribution of fibers is genetically determined
5. Ca2+ binds to troponin which is attached to actin.
6. Ca2+ binding to troponin causes tropomyosin to move
Energy for Muscle Contractions
exposing attachment sites for myosin.
Muscle fibers are very energy-demanding cells whether at rest
7. Myosin heads bind to actin.
or during any form of exercise.
8. ATP is released from myosin heads and heads bend
This energy comes from either aerobic (with O 2) or anaerobic
toward center of sarcomere.
(without O2) ATP production
9. Bending forces actin to slide over myosin.
ATP is derived from four processes in skeletal muscle.
10. Acetylcholinesterase (enzyme breaks down
acetylcholine) is released, Na+ channels close, and
1. Aerobic production of ATP during most exercise and
muscle contraction stops.
normal conditions.
 2. Anaerobic production of ATP during intensive short-
term work
3. Conversion of a molecule called creatine phosphate to
ATP
4. Conversion of two ADP to one ATP and one AMP
(adenosine monophosphate) during heavy exercise

Muscle Fatigue
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.

Mechanisms of fatigue include:

• Acidosis and ATP depletion due to either an
increased ATP consumption or a decreased
ATP production
• Oxidative stress, which is characterized by the
buildup of excess reactive oxygen species
(ROS; free radicals)
• Local inflammatory reactions

Types of Contractions
There are two types of muscle contractions: isometric and
isotonic.
The isometric contraction has an increase in muscle tension,
but no change in length.
The isotonic contraction has a change in muscle length with no
change in tension.

Concentric contractions are isotonic contractions in which

muscle tension increases as the muscle shortens.
Eccentric contractions are isotonic contractions in which
tension is maintained in a muscle, but the opposing resistance
causes the muscle to lengthen.

Smooth Muscle Skeletal Muscle Anatomy

Smooth muscle cells are non-striated small, spindle-shaped A tendon connects skeletal muscle to bone.
muscle cells, usually with one nucleus per cell. Aponeuroses are broad, sheetlike tendons.
The myofilaments are not organized into sarcomeres. A retinaculum is a band of connective tissue that holds down
The cells comprise organs controlled involuntarily, except the the tendons at each wrist and ankle.
heart. Skeletal muscle attachments have an origin and an insertion,
Neurotransmitter substances, hormones, and other substances with the origin being the attachment at the least mobile
can stimulate smooth muscle. location.
The insertion is the end of the muscle attached to the bone
Cardiac Muscle undergoing the greatest movement.
Cardiac muscle cells are long, striated, and branching, with
usually only one nucleus per cell. Muscle Attachment
Cardiac muscle is striated as a result of the sarcomere
arrangement.
Cardiac muscle contraction is autorhythmic.

Cardiac muscle cells are connected to one another by

specialized structures that include desmosomes and gap
junctions called intercalated disks.
Cardiac muscle cells function as a single unit in that action
potential in one cardiac muscle cell can stimulate action Muscles are named according to:
potentials in adjacent cells. 1. Location – a pectoralis muscle is located in the chest.
2. Size – the size could be large or small, short or long.
Skeletal Muscles
 3. Shape - the shape could be triangular, quadrate,
rectangular, or round.
4. Orientation of fascicles – fascicles could run straight
(rectus) or at an angle (oblique).

5. Origin and insertion. The sternocleidomastoid has its

origin on the sternum and clavicle and its insertion on
the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
6. Number of heads. A biceps muscle has two heads
(origins), and a triceps muscle has three heads
(origins).
7. Function. Abductors and adductors are the muscles
that cause abduction and adduction movements.

Muscles of Mastication
Temporalis
Masseter
Pterygoids (two pairs)

Muscles of Facial Expression Deep Neck and Back Muscles

and Mastication

Thoracic Muscles
Tongue and Swallowing Muscles
External intercostals:
• elevate ribs for inspiration
Internal intercostals:
• depress ribs during forced expiration
Diaphragm:
• moves during quiet breathing

Muscles of the Thorax

 • extends elbow
Biceps brachii:
• “flexing muscle”
• flexes elbow and shoulder

Brachialis:
• flexes elbow
Latissimus dorsi:
• lower back
• extends shoulder

Arm Muscles

Abdominal Wall Muscles

Rectus abdominis:
• center of abdomen
• compresses abdomen
External abdominal oblique:
• sides of abdomen
Forearm Muscles
• compresses abdomen
Flexor longus
Flexor carpi radialis
Internal abdominal oblique:
Flexor carpi ulnaris
• compresses abdomen
Flexor digitorum profundus
Transverse abdominis:
Flexor digitorum superficialis
• compresses abdomen
Pronator
Brachioradialis
Muscles of the Anterior Abdominal Wall
Extensor carpi radialis brevis

Muscles of the Forearm

Upper Scapular and Limb Muscles

Trapezius:
• shoulders and upper back
• extends neck and head
Pectoralis major:
• chest Pelvic Floor Muscles
• elevates ribs Levator ani
Serratus anterior: Ischiocavernosus
• between ribs Bulbospongiosus
• elevates ribs Deep transverse perineal
Deltoid:
• shoulder
• abductor or upper limbs Superficial transverse perineal
Upper Limb Muscles
Triceps brachii:
• 3 heads
 Muscles of Hips and Thighs
Iliopsoas:
• flexes hip
Gluteus maximus:
• buttocks
• extends hip and abducts thigh
Gluteus medius:
• Hip
• abducts and rotates thigh
Muscles of Lower Leg
Muscles of the Upper Leg Tibialis anterior:
The quadriceps femoris is comprised of 4 thigh muscles: • front of lower leg
The rectus femoris: • inverts foot
• front of thigh Gastrocnemius:
• extends knee and flexes hip • calf
The vastus lateralis: • flexes foot and leg
• extends knee Soleus:
The vastus medialis: • attaches to ankle
• extends knee • flexes foot
The vastus intermedius:
• extends knee

Gracilis:
• adducts thigh and flexes knee
Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus:
• Hamstring
• back of thigh
• flexes knee, rotates leg, extends hip

The rectus femoris:

• front of thigh
• extends knee and flexes hip
The vastus lateralis:
• extends knee
The vastus medialis:
• extends knee
The vastus intermedius:
• extends knee