Muscle tissue is unique because it can change in length and develop tension through contraction. It is composed of muscle fibers and is classified according to its structure and location within the body: Skeletal, Cardiac and Smooth
TYPE
IMAGE
DESCRIPTION
LOCATION
FUNCTION
Smooth muscle
Smooth: consists of elongated muscle fibres that can contract for a long time.
Found in the walls of the bladder, the uterus, various ducts of glands and the walls of blood vessels.
Smooth muscle controls slow, involuntary movements i.e. it contracts and relaxes to regulate the blood pressure and the flow of blood.
Cardiac Muscle
Composed of short, branching muscle fibres forming a net within the wall of the heart.
It is involved in the contraction of the atria and ventricles of the heart. It enables the rhythmical beating of the heart.
Skeletal Muscle
Composed of bundles of fibres and enclosed in a sheath. This structure allows for quick and powerful contraction but only for a short period.
Skeletal muscle moves the body and joints by contraction. It also provides the body with support it requires to maintain posture.