WHAT ARE MUSCLES? WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

Muscles form a very crucial part of the human body. Muscles and fibres help in body movement and enable the functioning of the internal organs. 

There are more than 600 muscles in the human body. 

Let us learn more about muscles, their types and functions. 

Muscles and their Different Types

Muscles are tissues in the human body responsible for varied functions, including movement, stability, and maintaining posture. They are one of the four primary types of human tissues, with the others being epithelial tissue, connective tissue, and nervous tissue.

Muscles are composed of muscle fibres, which are long, cylindrical cells that have the ability to contract and generate force. When muscle fibres contract, they pull on the bones that they surround, causing movement at the joints. This contraction is controlled by the nervous system, which sends signals to the muscles to initiate and regulate body movement.

The three main types of muscle tissue found in the human body are:

  1. Skeletal Muscle: Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and help the human body with walking, running, and lifting weights. They are under conscious control, meaning you can contract or relax them.
  2. Smooth Muscle: Smooth muscle is present in the walls of organs and structures like the digestive tract, blood vessels, and respiratory airways. It is responsible for involuntary movements like the contractions of the digestive system and blood vessel dilation. Smooth muscles cannot be controlled consciously. 
  3. Cardiac Muscle: Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It has properties of skeletal and smooth muscle but functions involuntarily, controlled by the cardiac conduction system.

What Roles do Muscles Play in the Human Body?

Muscles play several crucial roles in the human body, contributing to its overall function and well-being. This is what makes them a significant part of the human body. Some of the primary roles muscles play in the human body are as follows:


  • Movement: Muscles are responsible for physical movement. When muscles contract, they generate force, transmitted to bones and joints, resulting in walking, running, jumping, and lifting objects.
  • Posture and Stability: Muscles work together to maintain posture and stability. They help keep the body upright and balanced while sitting, standing, or performing any activity. Core muscles, for example, are essential for maintaining good posture and spinal stability.
  • Joint Support: Muscles provide support and stability to the joints. They help prevent excessive or harmful movements at the joints and reduce the risk of injuries, such as dislocations and sprains.
  • Respiration: Muscles involved in breathing, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, play a vital role in the respiratory process. These muscles contract and expand the chest cavity to facilitate inhalation and exhalation.
  • Digestion: Muscles in the digestive system, including those in the walls of the stomach and intestines, help propel food through the digestive tract through coordinated contractions, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients.
  • Circulation: The heart, composed of cardiac muscle, pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste products. This circulation is essential for maintaining life.
  • Metabolism: Muscles contribute to the body’s metabolism. Muscle tissue requires energy or calories to maintain itself, and having more muscle mass can increase the body’s basal metabolic rate which is the number of calories burned at rest, potentially aiding in weight management.
  • Endurance and Strength: Muscles can be trained and developed through exercise. Regular physical activity can improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical performance.
  • Balance and Coordination: Muscles play a crucial role in maintaining balance and coordination during various activities, from walking on uneven terrain to performing intricate tasks that require precise movements.

Final Takeaway

Muscles are integral to nearly every aspect of human movement and function, allowing us to interact with our environment, maintain our health, and carry out daily activities. Their diverse functions make them essential for overall well-being and quality of life.

Taking care of your muscles is essential for maintaining overall health, preventing injuries, and optimizing physical performance. Water supports muscle function and recovery, so drink lots of it. Eating a healthy diet is equally important to keep your muscles strong. Also, consider taking health supplements to enhance your health.

GULA products are safe and easy-to-consume herbal supplements you can include in your everyday routine. Buy GULA Immune Complex today!

Select your currency
TRY Türk lirası