Difference Among Skeletal, Smooth, and Cardiac Muscles
The differences among skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles are given below:
| Characteristic | Skeletal Muscle | Smooth Muscle | Cardiac Muscle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Attached to bones | Walls of internal organs, blood vessels | Walls of the heart |
| Shape of Cells | Elongated, cylindrical | Spindle-shaped | Branched, cylindrical |
| Nuclei | Multinucleated | Single, centrally located | Single, centrally located |
| Striations | Present (striated appearance) | Absent (non-striated) | Present (striated appearance) |
| Voluntary/Involuntary | Voluntary | Involuntary | Involuntary |
| Controlled by | Somatic nervous system | Autonomic nervous system | Autonomic nervous system |
| Contraction Speed | Rapid and forceful | Slow and sustained | Rhythmic and coordinated |
| Cell Arrangement | Bundled in parallel | Sheets or layers | Branched network |
| Mitochondria Density | Moderate to high | Moderate | High |
| Intercalated Discs | Absent | Absent | Present |
| Function | Body movement, posture, heat production | Organ contractions, peristalsis, blood vessel regulation | Pumping blood throughout the circulatory system |
| Example Locations | Biceps, quadriceps | Stomach, intestines, blood vessels | Heart |
Also Read: Muscular Tissue
Definition, Types, Structure, and Functions of Muscles
A Muscle is a soft tissue that enables contraction and tension in an animal’s body. The types of muscle are skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Muscles in the human body are made up of muscle fibers, connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Muscle tissue consists of specialized cells called muscle fibers, which contract to move the body.
Each muscle type has its own cellular components, physiology, functions, and pathology. Structurally, muscles consist of contractile fibers organized into bundles. The muscle functions include generating force for movement, maintaining posture, and supporting vital physiological processes. In this article, we will discuss the structure, type, and functions of muscles in detail.
Table of Content
- What are Muscles?
- Types of Muscles of Human Body
- Difference Among Skeletal, Smooth, and Cardiac Muscles
- Conclusion: An Overview, Types, Structure and Functions Of Muscles
- FAQs – An Overview, Types, Structure and Functions Of Muscles