What comes to mind when you hear the word “Muscle”? More likely than not the word conjures images of rock hard abdominal muscles ala Khal Drogo of the recently concluded Game of Thrones series. Or maybe it brings to mind well defined arm muscles ala the Rock of the Fast & the Furious movie franchise or a younger Arnold Schwarzenegger via The Terminator.
But, do you ever stop and think that there is so much more to muscles than bulked up biceps and triceps? The human muscular system is what gives us the capability to move around. Little movements that we don’t even think about such as frowning, smiling or furrowing our brows when we think requires the use of our facial muscles. Reflex actions such as blinking, clapping, sneezing or even snapping your fingers together when you stumble upon a great idea all require the full cooperation of muscles all over our body.
Do you know that the average person has more than 600 muscles as opposed to having only 206 skeletal bones? Our muscles are divided into 3 distinct categories: Smooth Muscles, Cardiac Muscles & Skeletal Muscles.
Smooth muscles are muscle tissue located in the gut, blood vessels, uterus, intestines and other internal organs that function without our conscious control. It is the smooth muscle tissue that is responsible for applying pressure to our organs. To put things in perspective it is the work of the smooth muscle that allows a woman in labour to push out her baby. Or, if you want a more relatable daily task, it is the smooth muscles that allow us to empty our bladder when we pee.
Cardiac muscles are more popularly known as the romantic sounding Heart muscles. This is a kind of muscle tissue that is only found in the walls of our heart. It is a specialized muscle that is responsible for keeping the blood pumping throughout our bodies. I do not think there is a need to elaborate on what can happen if these very critical muscle tissues cease to function.
Last but definitely not the least is the Skeletal Muscles. Unlike the Smooth & Cardiac muscles that operate without conscious thought, Skeletal Muscles operate on the other side of the spectrum. Its value lies in its ability to produce conscious movement. Skeletal muscles are attached to our bones and these allow us to walk, run, swim and do pretty much everything that requires conscious movement.
All three muscle groups need to be kept in tip top condition if we are to enjoy any kind of quality of life. Muscles perform critical jobs throughout the human body and this is why it is very important to understand how our muscles work and how to maintain them.
With all of these to consider, you might find yourself actively searching for a building muscle guide. If muscles are responsible for all the bodily functions mentioned above, and they definitely are, then you would certainly like to keep all three muscle types happy, healthy and built.