Muscular System Fundamentals
Your body relies on muscles for much more than just moving around. Muscles generate heat (thermogenesis), protect your internal organs through contraction, and provide the structural support that keeps you standing upright.
When you need to protect yourself from impact, abdominal muscles can quickly contract to become hard, shielding vital organs beneath. Similarly, muscles surrounding hollow organs like your stomach and intestines work continuously to move substances through your body and control organ volume.
There are three distinct muscle types, each with specific roles. Cardiac muscle works involuntarily in your heart, while smooth muscle lines hollow organs and blood vessels, also functioning without conscious control. Skeletal muscle attaches to bones and is the only type you can voluntarily control.
Fun Fact: Even when you're sitting perfectly still, about 40% of your body's energy is being used by your muscular system to maintain posture and perform basic functions!