Skeletal muscles - Human Muscular System

Skeletal muscles - Human Muscular System

The skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tendons. The tendons help to transfer the forces developed by skeletal muscles to the bones. These muscles are covered by sheets of connective tissue called fascia.

Tendons : These are connective tissue structures showing slight elasticity. They are like cords or straps strongly attached to bones. The tensile strength of tendons is nearly half that of steel. A tendon having 10 mm diameter can support 600 - 1000 kg.

Fascia : These are assemblages of connective tissues lining skeletal muscles as membranous sheets. The fascia may be superficial or deep. The superficial fascia is a layer of loose connective tissue found in between skin and muscles. The deep fascia are collagen fibres found as a tough inelastic sheath around the musculature. They run between groups of muscles and connect with the bones.

Human Muscular System

Locomotion and bodily movements are characteristic features of the animals. The movements are effected by various cell organelles such as cilia, flagella and organs like muscles. Muscular movements are more powerful and energetic. The skeletal muscles apart from their role in smarter movements, provide beautiful shapes to the body. The inner smooth muscles of the visceral organs make them work like machines all through the life period. The muscle cells function like small motors to produce the forces responsible for the move-ment of the arms, legs, heart and other part of the body. Thus the highly spe-cialized muscle tissues are responsible for the mechanical processes in the body.