What are structural and functional differences and similarities between skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle?

1 Answer
Aug 8, 2016

Here are some of the features of each type of muscle.

Explanation:

Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal Muscle
(From theydiffer.com)

1. Function

  • Aid in movement of the body

2. Structure

  • Distributed throughout body
  • Attached to the skeleton by tendons.
  • Striated
  • Well-supplied with nerves and blood vessels.
  • Multinucleated cells

3. Other features

  • Voluntary
  • Activated by central nervous system
  • Stretch and resume original shape.
  • Contract rapidly but tire quickly.

Smooth Muscle

Smooth Muscle
(From http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu)

1. Function

  • Maintain flow of fluid and food along through internal organs.

2. Structure

  • In lining of internal organs
  • Smooth appearance under a microscope.
  • Non-striated

3. Other Features

  • Involuntary
  • Regulated by autonomic nervous system.
  • Slow, rhythmic contraction
  • Fatigue slowly.

Cardiac Muscle

media.web.britannica.com

1. Function

  • Pump blood away from the heart towards the lungs and throughout the body

2. Structure

  • Along walls of heart
  • Striated
  • Good blood supply.
  • Mononucleated cells

3. Other Features

  • Involuntary
  • Controlled by autonomic nervous system
  • Tireless