Chapter 6: Muscular Anatomy

Question 1

List and describe the three types of muscle tissue.

Answer 1

• Skeletal muscles are attached to bones with long cylindrical cells that are striated or banded and
arranged in parallel. These muscles are voluntary (i.e., can be consciously controlled) and produce force along the length of the cell. We focus on these muscles with resistance training.

• Cardiac muscles are chains of cylindrical cells, arranged in parallel, that make up the walls of the heart. These muscles are involuntary (i.e., cannot be consciously controlled) and produce force along the length of the cell. Cardiorespiratory training strengthens these muscles.
• The cells of smooth muscles are irregularly shaped and arranged in a random pattern. Smooth muscles make up the walls of hollow organs (e.g., stomach, intestines, bladder, and blood vessels). The muscles are involuntary (i.e., cannot be consciously controlled) and produce force in all directions. The structure of these muscles does not allow them to generate much force when contracting.

Question 2

Briefly describe the significance of the core.

Answer 2

The core of the body spans from the rib cage and diaphragm to the pelvis and consists of muscles that act as stabilizers and mobilizers. A stable core provides the arms and legs with a solid anchor to produce force and movement for everyday activities as well as fitness training.

Question 3

What type of muscular contraction is responsible for elbow flexion during a biceps curl exercise?

Answer 3

Concentric

Question 4

People with anterior tilt typically have tight ________________, _______________, and ______________ muscles.

Answer 4

erector spinae, iliopsoas, rectus femoris

Question 5

The rotator cuff is described by the acronym SITS, which stands for

Answer 5

supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis

Question 6

The stabilizing muscles are composed primarily of ________.

Answer 6

slow-twitch muscles

Question 7

Seeing changes happen quickly can provide great motivation to beginners, but the rate of change in muscle recruitment tends to slow significantly after the first

Answer 7

8 weeks