List four functions of the muscular system.

The main functions of the muscular system are as follows:

1. Mobility

The muscular system’s main function is to allow movement. When muscles contract, they contribute to the gross and fine movement.

Gross movement refers to large, coordinated motions and includes:

•walking

•running

•swimming

Fine movement involves smaller movements, such as:

•writing

•speaking

•facial expressions

The smaller skeletal muscles are usually responsible for this type of action.

Most muscle movement of the body is under conscious control. However, some movements are reflexive, such as withdrawing a hand from a source of heat.

2. Stability

Muscle tendons stretch over joints and contribute to joint stability. Muscle tendons in the knee joint and the shoulder joint are crucial in stabilization.

The core muscles are those in the abdomen, back, and pelvis, and they also stabilize the body and assist in tasks, such as lifting weights.

3. Posture

Skeletal muscles help keep the body in the correct position when someone is sitting or standing. This is known as posture.

Good posture relies on strong, flexible muscles. Stiff, weak, or tight muscles contribute to poor posture and misalignment of the body.

Long-term, bad posture leads to joint and muscle pain in the shoulders, back, neck, and elsewhere.

4. Circulation

The heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. The movement of the heart is outside of conscious control, and it contracts automatically when stimulated by electrical signals.

Smooth muscle in the arteries and veins plays a further role in the circulation of blood around the body. These muscles maintain blood pressure and circulation in the event of blood loss or dehydration.

They expand to increase blood flow during times of intense exercise when the body requires more oxygen.