Muscular system

Question 1

What are the key functions of muscle tissue? (4)

Answer 1

1. Maintain posture
2. Locomotion
3. Aid in circulation
4. Aid in digestion

Question 2

What are the three histological varieties of muscle?

Answer 2

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle

Question 3

Why are skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle referred to as “striated?”

Answer 3

The striped appearance of these muscle types is due to the discreet arrangement of the contractile proteins. The contractile proteins are arranged in myofibrils which gives the appearance of light and dark bands under the microscope.

Question 4

How can cardiac muscle be differentiated from skeletal muscle histologically?

Answer 4

Cardiac muscle features intercalated discs, also extensive branching

Question 5

What is the structural and functional unit of a skeletal muscle called (at the microscopic level?)

Answer 5

A sarcomere

Question 6

What is another name for the group of muscles called “agonists?”

Answer 6

Prime movers

Question 7

Muscles acting from the opposite side of the joint are known as

Answer 7

Antagonist (though it’s important to remember that they do not oppose the movement of the agonist, but rather facilitate the action of the other group)

Question 8

List the functional pairs of skeletal muscle groups (agonists, etc)

Answer 8

Agonists (prime movers), antagonists, synergists (supporting muscles)

Question 9

List the functional pairs of skeletal muscle groups (flexors, etc)

Answer 9

Flexors - extensors
Abductors - adductors
Medial rotators - lateral rotators

Question 10

What is the role of CT coverings in muscles?

Answer 10

To form protective coverings and also enhance the efficacy of muscle contraction

Question 11

Name the three types of connective tissue covering found in muscle starting from outermost > innermost

Answer 11

Epimysium - perimysium - endomysium

Question 12

The layer of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the entire muscle is called the

Answer 12

Epimysium

Question 13

One fascicle is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the

Answer 13

Perimysium

Question 14

One muscle fibre or cell is surrounded by a connective tissue covering called the

Answer 14

Endomysium

Question 15

Name three regions where smooth muscle is found

Answer 15

1. Walls of arteries
2. Uterus
3. Bladder
   (also walls of other internal organs, like the intestines)

Question 16

What is the endoplasmic reticulum of the muscle referred to as?

Answer 16

The sarcoplasmic reticulum