Investigating muscle strength Flashcards
What are the 3 main muscles in your body?
- Cardiac muscle
- Skeletal muscle
- Smooth muscle
Where are cardiac muscles found?
In the heart
Where are skeletal muscles found? What do they allow?
They are attached to the skeleton by tendons. They allow movement.
Where is smooth muscle found?
In organs such as the liver and brain.
How do muscles work?
Muscles work in pairs and they all work by pulling or contracting
If a muscle contracts, what will happen to it?
It will become shorter and fatter
If a muscle relaxes, what will happen to it?
It will become longer and thinner
What is the scientific name for the chest muscle?
Pectoral muscle
What is the scientific name for the thigh muscle?
Quadriceps
How does the ribcage protect the lungs?
By forming a cavity (empty space) for the lungs to sit in, protected from all sides.
What muscle is in the calf?
Calf muscle.
What are muscle cramps and how are they caused?
Muscle cramps are when muscles contract but the do not relax. This can be caused by involuntary contractions of muscles and can be quite painful.
How can you check if your muscles are working properly?
By taking an EMG test (Electromyography test)
How is the test carried out?
By pricking the skin with a needle that can sense electrical signals, if the needle picks up electric signals, it indicates that the muscles are functioning properly.
What do muscles receive in order to make them contract?
Electrical signals
