1.

FUNCTION OF:

a. SKELETAL MUSCLE
- The main functions of skeletal muscle are to contract to produce movement, sustain
body posture and position, maintain body temperature, store nutrients, and stabilize
joints. From a mechanical standpoint, the primary function of skeletal muscle is to
convert chemical energy into mechanical energy, thus generating force and power.
From a metabolic point of view, skeletal muscle contributes to basal energy metabolism,
serving as a storage site for essential substrates such as carbohydrates and amino acids.

b. CARDIAC MUSCLE
- The primary function of cardiac muscle is to pump blood into circulation by generating
sufficient force. The mechanism behind each coordinated contraction involves the
cardiac muscle and electrical impulses. These contractile functions of the heart require
ATP, which can be obtained through various substrates, including fatty acids,
carbohydrates, proteins, and ketones. Aerobic production is the core utilization process;
however, the heart may use anaerobic processes in a limited capacity.

c. SMOOTH MUSCLE
- The primary function of smooth muscle is contraction. Smooth muscle consists of two
types: single-unit and multi-unit. Single-unit smooth muscle consists of multiple cells
connected through connexins that can become stimulated in a synchronous pattern
from only one synaptic input. Connexins allow for cell-to-cell communication between
groups of single-unit smooth muscle cells. This intercellular communication allows ions
and molecules to diffuse between cells giving rise to calcium waves.

REFERENCES:

Ripa, R., George, T., Shumway, K. R., & Sattar, Y. (2023, July 30). Physiology, Cardiac Muscle
- StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Physiology, Cardiac Muscle - StatPearls – NCBI
Bookshelf.

Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J.
E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022, April 20). 6.1 The Functions of the Skeletal System
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e | OpenStax. 6.1 the Functions of the Skeletal System
Anatomy and Physiology 2e | OpenStax.

Hafen, B. B., & Burns, B. (2023, August 14). Physiology, Smooth Muscle - StatPearls – NCBI
Bookshelf. Physiology, Smooth Muscle - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.