MUSCULAR SYSTEM 3.

Extensibility Skeletal Muscle

CHAPTER 7 - a muscle can be stretched beyond its - Striated muscle
normal resting length and still be able to - Constitutes approximately 40% of
7.1 FUNCTIONS OF THE MUSCULAR contract body weight
SYSTEM 4. Elasticity - So named because of the many muscles
- ability of muscle to recoil to its original that are attached to the skeletal
1. Movement of the body resting length after it has been stretched. system
2. Maintenance of posture - Some skeletal muscle attaches to the
3. Respiration 7.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF SKELETAL skin or connective tissue sheets.
4. Production of body heat MUSCLE - Also called striated muscle because
5. Communication transverse bands or striation can be
6. Constriction of organs and vessels seen in the muscle under the
7. Contraction of the heart microscope
- Consists of skeletal muscle tissue,
nervous tissue, connective tissue and
7.2 GENERAL PROPERTIES OF MUSCLE
adipose tissue
TISSUE
1. Contractility
Connective Tissue Coverings of Muscle
- ability of muscle to shorten forcefully,
Epimysium
or contract
- Connective tissue sheath surrounding
- forces that oppose contraction cause
each skeletal muscle
muscle to lengthen
- Aka muscular fascia
- muscle shortening is forceful and muscle
Fascicles
lengthening is passive.
- The subdivided visible bundles of whole
- skeletal muscle contraction causes the
muscle
structures to which they are attached to
- Subdivided into separate muscle cells
move
called muscle fibers
- smooth muscle or cardiac muscle
Perimysium
contraction increases pressure inside the
- loose connective tissue that separates
organ it surrounds
muscle fascicles from each other.
2. Excitability
Endomysium
- capacity of muscle to respond to stimulus
- surrounds each muscle fiber
- skeletal muscle the stimulus to contract
is from nerves that we consciously control
- smooth muscle or cardiac muscle fibers
contract spontaneously, but also receive
involuntary neural signals and hormonal
signals to modulate force or rate of
contraction.
 Muscle Fiber Structure - Connect the sarcolemma to the - a network of protein fibers that forms
terminal cisternae to form a triad a stationary anchor for actin
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum myofilaments to attach.
- Has a relatively higher concentration I bands
of 𝐶𝑎2+ which plays a major role in - includes a z disk and extends toward
muscle contraction. the center of the sarcomere to the
Sarcoplasm ends of the myosin myofilaments.
- Cytoplasm of the muscle fiber - Consists of ONLY actin myofilaments
- Each fiber contains many bundles of A band
protein filaments (myofibrils) - Extends the length of the myosin
Myofibrils myofilaments within the sarcomere
- Consists of 2 major kinds of protein - The actin and myosin myofilaments
fibers overlap for some distance on both ends
1. Actin myofilaments H zone
2. Myosin myofilaments - Center of the A band which is a lighter-
✓ The arrangement of the 2 is what gives staining region
the skeletal muscle its striated - Contains ONLY actin myofilaments
appearance. M line
Muscle fiber ✓ The arrangement provides the basis - consists of fine protein filaments that
- a single cylindrical cell with several for skeletal muscle fibers to contract. anchor the myosin myofilaments in
nuclei located at its periphery The myofilaments slide past each place
- range is from 1 cm to 30 cm and 0.15 other, causing the sarcomeres to
mm in diameter shorten. - The actin myofilaments slide past the
- with multiple nuclei located around the myosin myofilaments into the H zone
periphery of the fiber Sarcomeres upon stimulation of a skeletal muscle
Sarcolemma Sarcomere fiber by a motor neuron.
- cell membrane of the muscle fiber - basic structural and functional unit of
Transverse Tubules a skeletal muscle because it is the Actin and Myosin Myofilament
- or T Tubules smallest portion of a skeletal muscle Actin Myofilament
- inward folds at the surface of capable of contracting - thin myofilament made up of 3
sarcolemma - 1 sarcomere extends from one z disks components
- occur at regular intervals along the to the next z disk 1. Actin Strand
muscle fiber and extend into the - Consists of 2 light-staining bands (I o have attachment site for the
center of the muscle fiber. bands) separated by a dark-staining myosin myofilaments
- Associated with enlarged portions band (A band). o resemble 2-minute strands of
(terminal cisternae) of the smooth Z disks pearls twisted together.
endoplasmic reticulum called - separates one sarcomere from the 2. Troponin Molecule
sarcoplasmic reticulum next o have binding sites for 𝐶𝑎2+
 o attached at specific intervals channels play in major role in muscle 1. Resting Membrane Potential
along the. Actin myofilament contraction. - 𝑁𝑎+ channels and some, but not all, 𝐾 +
3. Tropomyosin Filaments Resting Membrane Potential channels are closed. 𝐾 + diffuses down
o Block the myosin myofilament - electrical charge difference across its concentration gradient through the
binding sites on the actin the cell membrane of an unstimulated open 𝐾 + channels, making the inside of
myofilaments. cell. the cell membrane negatively charged
o In an unstimulated muscle, it - The inside of cell membrane is compared to the outside.
lies in the groove between the negatively charged 2. Depolarization
twisted strands of actin - outside of the cell membrane is - 𝑁𝑎+ Channels are open. 𝑁𝑎+ diffuses
myofilament meaning it covers positively charged. down its concentration gradient
the attachment sites on the - the resting membrane potential exists through the open 𝑁𝑎+channels, making
actin myofilament preventing a because of the following: the inside of the cell membrane
contraction from occurring. o the concentration off 𝐾 + Is higher positively charged compared to the
Myosin Myofilament on the inside of the cell membrane. outside.
- Resemble bundles of tiny golf clubs o The concentration of 𝑁𝑎+ is higher 3. Repolarization
Myosin head on the outside of the cell - 𝑁𝑎+ channels are closed, and
- The part that resembles as golf club membrane. 𝑁𝑎+ movement into the cell stops. More
heads o The negatively charged molecules 𝐾 + channels open. 𝐾 + movement out of
- Has 3 important properties do not exit the cell because they the cell increases, making the inside of
1. The heads bind to the attachment site are too large to diffuse across the the cell membrane negatively charged
on the actin myofilament cell membrane or exit through cell compared to the outside, once again
2. They bend and straighten during membrane channels.
contraction o The cell membrane is more Nerve Supply and Muscle Fiber
3. They break down ATP, releasing permeable to 𝐾 + than it is to 𝑁𝑎+ . Stimulation
energy. - In addition to the outward - Skeletal muscle fibers do not contract
concentration gradient for 𝐾 + there unless they are stimulated by motor
Excitability of Muscle Fibers is also an inward electrical gradient for neurons.
Muscle fibers are highly specialized, 𝐾 + which attracts 𝐾 + back into the Motor Neurons
electrically excitable cells. cell. - Specialized nerve cells that stimulate
- This polarization creates an electrical Sodium Potassium Pump muscles to contract
charge difference across the cell - Active transport of 𝑁𝑎+ and 𝐾 + - generate action potentials that travel
membrane. - Maintains the uneven distribution of to skeletal muscle fibers
- The phospholipid nature of the cell 𝑁𝑎+ and 𝐾 + across the cell membrane - function of action potential in motor
membrane inhibits the movement of neurons is to stimulate the release of
charged particles, particularly ions, Action Potentials acetylcholine.
across the cell membrane. To initiate a muscle contraction, the resting
- Electrical properties require iron membrane potential must be changed.
movement across the cell membrane,
 Presynaptic Terminal Muscle Contraction
- Axon terminal - Occurs as actin and myosin
- Action potential causes 𝐶𝑎2+ channels myofilaments slide past one another,
to open, and 𝐶𝑎2+ enters the causing the sarcomeres to shorten.
presynaptic terminal. - Shorting of sarcomeres causes
Synaptic cleft myofibrils to shorten, thereby causing
- Space between the presynaptic the entire muscle to shorten.
terminal and the muscle fiber
membrane
Postsynaptic membrane
- Sarcolemma
Synaptic Vesicles
Neuromuscular Junction
- Small vesicles in each presynaptic
- A junction with a muscle for fiber
terminal
formed in each branch
- Contain the neurotransmitter
- located near the center of a muscle
(stimulates or inhibits postsynaptic
fiber
cells) called the acetylcholine
- consists of several enlarged axon
terminals resting in indentations of the
Binding of acetylcholine to its receptor
muscle fiber’s sarcolemma
stimulates 𝑁𝑎+ channels to open.

Acetylcholinesterase
- Breaks down the acetylcholine releases
into the synaptic cleft between the
neuron and the muscle fiber.
Spastic Paralysis
- Respiratory muscles contract and
Synapse
cannot relax which is followed by
- refers to the cell to cell junction
fatigue in the muscles.
between a nerve cell and either
Flaccid Paralysis
another nerve cell or an effector cell
- Muscle is incapable of contracting in
Motor Unit
response to nervous stimulation.
- A single motor neuron and all the
Curare
skeletal muscle fibers it innervates
- Does not allow activation of the
constitute
receptors

The fewer fibers there are in the motor units

of a muscle, the greater control you have over
that muscle.
Sliding Filament Model - time between the application - Type IIa can hold contractions longer
- Process of muscle contraction where of a stimulus and the beginning than type IIb, but not as long as Type
actin myofilaments slide past myosin of the contraction I
myofilaments during contraction - the action potentials haven’t - In general, works aerobically
- During contraction, the actin arrived the sarcolemma. Fast twitch fibers
myofilaments on each side of 2. Contraction phase: the time - Contain either type IIa or type IIb
sarcomere move into the H zone, during which the muscle contracts myosin filament
shortening the sarcomere. 3. Relaxation phase: time during - Contact quickly
- Actin and myosin myofilaments lengths which the muscle relaxes - Type IIb are fastest and type IIa
are unchanged. fibers contract at an intermediate
- During relaxation, sarcomeres speed.
lengthen. - More suited for working anaerobically
Adenosine Triphosphate Skeletal muscle
- Form of energy supplied in the muscles - Contains a mixture of fiber types
- Breaks down into adenosine
diphosphate and phosphate
- Stored in the myosin head during
muscle contraction to move the heads
of the myosin myofilaments toward the Summation
center of the sarcomere, causing the - Individual muscles contract more
actin myofilaments to slide past the forcefully
myosin myofilaments. In the process, Tetanus
ADP and P are released from the - A sustained contraction that occurs
Energy Requirement for Muscle
myosin heads. when the frequency of stimulation is so
rapid that no relaxation occurs. Contraction
- The heat released during muscle
Recruitment ATP is derived from 4 processes in skeletal
contraction increases body
- More motor units are stimulated, which muscle:
temperature, which explains why a
increases the total number of muscle 1. Aerobic production of ATP during most
person becomes warmer during
fibers contracting. Thus, the muscle exercise and normal conditions.
exercise.
contracts with more force. 2. Anaerobic production of ATP during
Slow twitch fibers intensive short-term work.
Muscle Twitch, Summation, Tetanus
- Contain type I myosin as the 3. Conversion of a molecule called
Muscle Twitch
predominant or even exclusive type. creatine phosphate to ATP.
- A single contraction of a muscle fiber
- Contract more slowly 4. Conversion of two ADP to one ATP and
in response to a stimulus.
- Can hold a contraction longer than one AMP (adenosine monophosphate)
- Usually involves all the muscle fibers in
fast-twitch fibers during heavy exercise.
motor unit.
- 3 phases
1. Lag Phase: latent phase
Aerobic Respiration: occurs mostly in then broken down to directly - Reduces power output, the overall
mitochondria, requires 𝑂2 and breaks down synthesize ATP. benefit is that it prevents complete
glucose to produce ATP, 𝐶𝑂2 , and 𝐻2 𝑂. exhaustion of ATP reserves, which
- can also process lipids or amino acids to could lead to damage of the muscle
make ATP fibers.
- gives rise to lactic acid’s alternate
chemical form, lactate. MECHANISMS:
- more efficient than anaerobic 1. Acidosis and ATP depletion due to
- more flexible than anaerobic either an increase ATP consumption or
respiration because of the ability to a decreased ATP production
break down lipids and amino acids to 2. Oxidative stress, which is
After exercise, the respiratory rate and
form ATP. characterized by the buildup of excess
volume remain elevated for a time, even though
Lactate: known as a critical metabolic reactive oxygen species
the muscles are no longer actively contracting.
Intermediate that is formed and utilized 3. Local inflammatory reactions
The respiratory rate returns to normal after
continuously even under fully Arabic
all the lactate has been converted to glucose
conditions. Acidosis and ATP Depletion
and creatine phosphate levels are restored.
- produced by skeletal muscle cells at all Anaerobic Respiration results in breakdown of
times, but particularly during exercise, glucose to lactate and protons, accounting for
Oxygen deficit: payed back through the
and is subsequently broken down or lowered pH.
increased respiratory activity providing 𝑂2
used to make glucose.
Recovery oxygen consumption: the amount of
Anaerobic Respiration: does not require 𝑂2 , Lowered pH cellular effects
𝑂2 needed in chemical reactions that occur to
breaks down glucose to produce ATP and - Decreased effectiveness of 𝐶𝑎2+ on
restore pre-exercise conditions.
lactate. actin and over all less 𝐶𝑎2+ release
- can produce far less ATP than aerobic from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
The chemical reactions are the following:
but can produce ATP in a matter of Oxidative stress
1. conversion of lactate to glucose
seconds - an imbalance between free radicals and
2. replenishment of the depleted ATP and
- production rate of ATP is too low to antioxidants in your body.
creatine phosphate stores in muscle
maintain activities for more than a few - Free radicals are oxygen-containing
fibers
minutes. molecules with an uneven number of
3. replenishment of 𝑂2 stores in the
Exercise is not usually exclusively aerobic or electrons. The uneven number allows
lungs, blood, and muscles
anaerobic, we see both muscle fiber types them to easily react with other
contributing to most types of muscle function. molecules.
Fatigue
- during periods of rest, when there is Inflammation
- a temporary state of reduced work
excess ATP, the excess ATP is used to - Immune system is directly activated by
capacity.
store creatine phosphate exercise
- Without it, muscle fibers would be
- during exercise, especially at the onset T lymphocytes: a type of white blood cell,
worked to the point of structural
of exercise, the small cellular ATP migrates into heavily worked muscles.
damage to them and their supportive
reserve is quickly depleted. Creatine is
tissues.
 ✓ The presence of immune system - These cells are stimulated by the - depends on a small percent-age of all
intermediates increases the destruction of existing muscle fibers, the motor units in a muscle being
perception of pain, which most likely such as by injury or disease, or during stimulated at any point in time, causing
serves as signal to protect those intensive strength training. their muscle fibers to contract
tissues from further damage. tetanically and out of phase with one
✓ Extreme muscular fatigue, muscles mat Types of Muscle Contractions another.
become incapable of either contracting Isometric contractions: equal distance
or relaxing. - increase the tension in the muscle 7.4 SMOOTH MUSCLE AND CARDIAC
Physiological contracture: occurs when there without changing its length MUSCLE
is too little ATP to bind to myosin - responsible for the constant length of Smooth muscle: small and spindle-shaped,
myofilaments. the body’s postural muscles, such as usually with one nucleus per cell, not striated
Psychological fatigue: involves the central the muscles of the back. - contain less actin and myosin than do
nervous system rather than the muscles Isotonic contractions: equal tension skeletal muscle cells
themselves - the amount of tension produced by the - under involuntary control
- muscles are still capable of muscle is constant during contraction, - myofilaments are not organized into
contracting, but the individual but the length of the muscle sarcomeres
perceives that continued muscle decreases. - contract more slowly than muscle cells
contraction is impossible. Concentric contractions: are isotonic when stimulated by neurotransmitters
contractions in which muscle tension increases from the nervous system and do not
Effect of Fiber Type on Activity Level as the muscle shortens. develop an oxygen deficit
- Humans exhibit no clear separation of Eccentric contractions: are isotonic - tend to function as a unit and contract
slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle contractions in which tension is maintained in a at the same time
fibers in individual muscles. Most muscle, but the opposing resistance causes the - Autorythmic
muscles have both types of fibers, muscle to lengthen. Autorhythmicity: spontaneous contraction of
although the number of each type - used when a person slowly lowers a smooth muscle
varies in a given muscle. heavy weight. Cardiac muscle: long, striated, and branching
- Exercise increases the blood supply to - Substantial force is produced in with usually only one nucleus per cell
muscles, the number of mitochondria muscles during eccentric contractions, - Actin and myosin myofilaments are
per muscle fiber, and the number of and muscles can be injured during organized into sarcomere
myofibrils and myofilaments, thus repetitive eccentric contractions - Striated
causing muscle fibers to enlarge, or - autorythmic
hypertrophy. Muscle Tone - connected to one another by
Satellite cells: undifferentiated cells just - constant tension produced by body specialized structures that include
below the endomysium muscles over long periods of time desmosomes and gap junctions called
- When stimulated, satellite cells can - responsible for keeping the back and intercalated disks.
differentiate and develop into a legs straight, the head in an upright
limited number of new, functional position, and the abdomen from
muscle fibers. bulging.
7.5 SKELETAL MUSCLE ANATOMY Nomenclature
1. Location
General Principles o Pectoralis (chest)
Tendon: connecting the muscle to the bone o Gluteus (buttock)
Aponeuroses: broad, sheetlike tendons o Brachial (arm)
Retinaculum: a band of connective tissue that
holds down the tendons at each wrist and ankle 2. Size
Origin: most stationary, or fixed, end of the o Maximus (large)
muscle o Minimus (small)
- in case of multiple origin, each origin is o Longus (long)
called a head o Brevis (short)
Insertion: the end of the muscle attached to 3. Shape
the bone undergoing the greatest movement o Deltoid (triangular)
Belly: part of the muscle between the origin o Quadratus (quadrate)
and the insertion o Teres (round)
Action: specific body movement a muscle 4. Orientation of Fascicles:
contraction causes o Rectus (straight, parallel)
Agonist: the action of a single muscle or group 5. Origin and Insertion:
of muscles o Sternocleidomastoid has its
- the muscle contracting origin on the sternum and
Antagonist: opposed by that of another clavicle and its insertion on the
muscle or group of muscles mastoid process of the
- the muscle that is relaxing or temporal bone
lengthening 6. Number of Heads:
Synergists: a group of muscles working o Biceps ( 2 heads )
together to produce a movement 7. Function:
Prime Mover: plays the major role in o Abduction: moves a structure
accomplishing the desired movement among away from the midline
the synergist o Adduction: moves a structure
Fixators: muscles that hold one bone in place towards the midline
relative to the body while a usually more distal
bone is moves.
 MASTICATION
- Temporalis Muscle.
- Medial Pterygoid.
- Lateral Pterygoid.
- Masseter

FACIAL EXPRESSION
Occipitofrontalis: raises the eyebrows TONGUE AND SWALLOWING
Orbicularis Oculi: around the eye MUSCLES
- tightly close the eyelids, and cause Buccinator muscle: holds the food in place
wrinkles in the skin at the lateral while the teeth grind the food.
corners of the eyes Tongue: moves food around
Orbicularis oris: around the mouth - pushes food up to the palate and back
Buccinator: in the walls of the cheeks toward the pharynx to initiate
- also flattens the cheeks as in whistling swallowing.
or blowing a trumpet and is therefore - Consist of a mass of intrinsic muscles,
sometimes called the trumpeter’s which are located entirely within the
muscle. tongue and change its shape.
The orbicularis oris and the buccinator Extrinsic muscle: located outside the tongue
together are called the kissing muscles but are attached to and move the tongue.
because they pucker the mouth. Hyoid muscle: divided into a suprahyoid group
Muscles of the Head and Neck Zygomaticus: primarily accomplish smiling and an infrahyoid group
- elevate the upper lip and corner of the - Suprahyoid muscles hold the hyoid
mouth bone in place from above, the
Levator Labii superioris: accomplishes infrahyoid muscles can elevate the
sneering larynx.
Depressor anguli oris: accomplishes frowning Pharyngeal elevators: elevate the pharynx
and pouting Pharyngeal constrictor: constrict the pharynx
from superior to inferior, forcing the food into
the esophagus
Pharyngeal muscles: open the auditory tube,
which connects the middle ear to the pharynx.
- Opening the auditory tube equalizes
the pressure between the middle ear
and the atmosphere. This is why it is
 sometimes helpful to chew gum or TRUNK MUSCLE External Intercostals: elevate the ribs during
swallow one ascending or descending a - Include those that move the vertebral inspiration
mountain in a car or changing altitude column, the thorax and abdominal wall, Internal Intercostals: depress the ribs during
in a plane. and the pelvic floor forced expiration
Diaphragm: accomplishes the major movement
MUSCLES MOVING THE VERTEBRAL produced in the thorax during quiet breathing
COLUMN
Erector spinae: group of muscles on each side ABDOMINAL WALL MUSCLES
of the back are primarily responsible for
keeping the back straight and the body erect.
Deep back muscle: located between the
spinous and transverse processes of adjacent
vertebrae
- responsible for several movements of
the vertebral column, extension,
lateral flexion, and rotation
RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
: treatment for low back pain

THORACIC MUSCLES

Linea alba: consists of white connective tissue

rather than a muscle
NECK MUSCLES - tendinous area of the abdominal wall
Sternocleidomastoid: the prime mover of the Tendinous intersections: cross the rectus
lateral muscle group abdominis at 3 or more location, causing the
- contraction of only one abdominal wall of a lean, well-muscled person to
sternocleidomastoid rotates the head, appear segmented.
contraction of both can either flex or
extend the head and neck
Torticollis: or wry neck
- may result from an injury to one of the
sternocleidomastoid muscles
 PELVIC FLOOR AND PERINEAL Triceps brachii: primary extensor of the
MUSCLES elbow
Brachialis and Biceps brachii: primary flexors
of the elbow
Brachioradialis: helps flex the elbow

SUPINATION AND PRONATION

Supinator: accomplishes the supination of the
forearm, or turning the flexed forearm so that
the palm is up
Pronator: accomplishes pronation, turning the
forearm so that the palm is down, is a function
of 2 pronator.

Pelvic floor: aka pelvic diaphragm, formed by

the levator ani
Perineum: area inferior to the pelvic floor Rotator cuff muscles: stabilize the shoulder
- contains a number of muscles joint by holding the head of the humerus in the WRIST AND FINGER MOVEMENTS
associated with the male or female glenoid cavity during arm movements. Flexor carpi: flex the wrist
reproductive structures Deltoid: attaches the humerus to the scapula Extensor carpi: extend the wrist
and clavicle and is the major abductor of the Tendon of the flexor carpi radialis: serves
ARM MOVEMENTS upper limb. as a landmark for locating the radial pulse
Pectoralis major: adducts the arm and flexes - common site for administering Flexor digitorum: flexes the fingers
the shoulder injections Extensor Digitorum: extension of the fingers
- can extend the shoulder from a flexed Intrinsic hand muscles: 19 muscles
position. FOREARM MOVEMENTS - located within the hand
Latissimus dorsi: medially rotates and adducts Interossei: located between the metacarpal
the arm and powerfully extends. The shoulder bones
often called as the swimmer’s muscle - responsible for abduction and
adduction of the fingers
 Gluteus maximus: extends the hip and abducts
and laterally rotates the thigh, contributes
most of the mass that can be seen as the
buttock
Gluteus medius: abducts and medially rotates
the thigh, creates a smaller mass just superior
and lateral to the maximus
- A common site for injections in the
buttocks because the sciatic nerve lies
deep to the gluteus maximus and could
be damaged during an injection.
ANKLE AND TOE MOVEMENTS
Anterior Thigh Muscle: flex the hip
Posterior Thigh Muscle: extend the hip
Medial Thigh Muscle: adduct the hip

LEG MOVEMENTS
Quadricep femoris: primary extensors of the
knee
Patellar tendon: tapped with a rubber hammer
when testing the knee-jerk reflex in a physical
examination.
LOWER LIMB MUSCLES - Quadriceps muscles, the vastus
lateralis as an injection site.
THIGH MOVEMENTS Sartorius: longest muscle in the body; tailor’s
Ilopsoas: flexes the hip muscle
Hamstring Muscles: responsible for flexing
the knee

Tensor fascia latae: tenses a thick hand of

fascia on the lateral side of the thigh called
rhe iliotibial tract
- helps steady the femur on the tibia
when a person is standing
Gastrocnemius and the Soleus: forms the - Many of the age-related changes in
bulge of the calf skeletal muscle can be slowed
- join to from the common Calcaneal dramatically if people remain physically
tendon or the Achilles tendon active
Fibularis muscle: primarily everters (turning
the lateral side of the foot outward) of the
foot but they also aid in plantar flexion during
locomotion
Intrinsic foot muscle: include 20 muscles
located within the foot
- work together to move the toes,
includes flexion, extension, abduction,
and adduction

7.6 EFFECTS OF AGIN ON SKELETAL

MUSCLE
- Loss of muscle fibers begins at age 25
and by the age of 80 muscle mass has
been reduced by approximately 50%.
- Weightlifting exercise helps slow the
loss of muscle mass but do not prevent
the loss of muscle fibers
- Fast-twitch muscle fibers decrease in
number more rapidly than slow-twitch
fibers
- Loss of strength and speed is due to
the loss of muscle fibers, particularly
fast-twitch fibers
- Surface area of neuromuscular
junction decreases, action potentials in
neurons stimulate action more slowly
- Number of motor neurons decreases,
less precise muscle control
- Decrease in density of capillaries in
skeletal muscles so that a longer
recovery period is required after
exercise