Muscle tissue has four main properties: Excitability (ability to respond to stimuli), Contractibility (ability to contract),Extensibility (ability of a muscle

to be stretched without tearing) and Elasticity (ability to return to its normal shape). Through contraction, the muscular system performs three important functions: Motion - walking, running etc. Heat production - maintain normal body temperature Maintenance of posture - standing, sitting etc.

Smallest muscle in the body? Stapedius: the muscle that activates the stirrup, the small bone that sends vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. It measures just 0.05 inch (0.13 centimeter) in length. Largest muscle in the body? Latissimus dorsi: the large, flat muscle pair that covers the middle and lower back. Longest muscle in the body? Sartorius: the straplike muscle that runs diagonally from the waist down across the front of the thigh to the knee. Strongest muscle in the body? Gluteus maximus: the muscle pair of the hip that form most of the flesh of the buttocks. Fastest-reacting muscle in the body? Orbicularis oculi: the muscle that encircles the eye and closes the eyelid. It contracts in less than 0.01 second. Number of muscles used to make a smile? Seventeen. Number of muscles used to make a frown? Forty-three.

Read more: http://www.faqs.org/health/Body-by-Design-V1/The-Muscular-System-Workings-how-themuscular-system-functions.html#ixzz2edS6ZDL6 Mobility The skeletal framework of our body is covered by muscles, whose primary function is to provide mobility to the body. The muscles of the body work in pairs (antagonist and agonist muscles) to bring about movements in the body. They move the bones by pulling on them. Muscles can only pull and not push, which is why the teamwork of muscles is so important. Once a muscle pulls and brings about movement, then the other muscle of the pair pulls in the opposite direction to perform reverse action. Thus, the ability of the body to move comes from the muscular system. When one wants to move from one place to another, the central nervous system gives instructions to the muscle fibers of the body to contract or relax, thereby conducing to the necessary movement. Since the central nervous system is instructing the muscle fibers to carry out the required functions, they are voluntary movements. Actions such as walking, climbing, running, lifting, dancing, jogging, etc. are all examples of motions caused as a result of voluntary muscular contractions and relaxations. Communication We owe our ability to communicate to these skeletal muscles as well, which enable us to speak and write. Being voluntary, these muscles can be controlled by our brain and told what to say and write. So

the next time you say something nasty or insensitive, remember you are in control of your tongue and every word spoken can be controlled by your brain. So get a grip of your tongue and think before you speak! Maintenance of Posture We rarely give a thought to how our bodies are able to remain in standing or sitting position. In fact, most of us think that our bodies are at a state of rest during these phases. However, even during these times, certain muscles in the body are constantly contracting and relaxing, making various tiny adjustments, so that your posture can be maintained. Thus, we are able to continue sitting or standing, due to the contraction of muscles. The muscles of the body also provide joint stability, by extending their tendons over the joints. Carries out Digestion The action of stuffing our mouth with food is voluntary and we also have control of the chewing motion. However, once the food is swallowed what happens to it? We do not have any control of it, once it passes down the food pipe or esophagus. The food travels via the esophagus to the stomach via an involuntary muscular movement called peristalsis. The smooth muscles contract and relax and allow the food ingested to be churned in the stomach and then the intestines. As the digestion process continues, the waste is sent to the rectal region from where it is discarded. Heat Generation Since we are warm blooded, a constant body temperature ought to be maintained in the body, via temperature regulation. In order to maintain a constant body temperature, the body needs to produce heat. When muscles contract to cause the bones to move, heat is generated. The muscles are responsible for production of almost 75% of body heat requirement. Thus, in situations wherein the body temperature plummets, the muscles involuntarily contract and generate heat. This is why when we are cold, we find our body shivering. Shivering is the body's mechanism of muscle contraction to generate heat. Similarly, when the body temperature escalates after exercise or strenuous activity, the muscles redirect the heat to the skin to cool down the body. Blood Circulation The cardiac muscles in the heart are responsible for blood circulation within the heart and its pumping to the rest of the body. The elaborate blood vessel network ensures adequate oxygen is made available to these muscles whose contraction and relaxation movements, are vital for the survival of a person. Respiration Respiration involves inhalation of oxygen-rich air and exhalation involves expulsion of carbon-dioxiderich air. For this process to take place, the diaphragm muscle is required, which contracts and relaxes to bring about the required inhalation and exhalation. Shock Absorption The muscular network of the body forms a padding for the skeletal framework, thereby protecting the vital internal organs. Moreover, the agonist and antagonist muscles that work in pairs, help slow down the movements of joints in the opposite direction, by contracting. These muscles are seen to contract to absorb impact from forceful actions like that during sports activities or during a fall.

The muscular system is a truly fascinating organ system of our body. The muscles keep working all the time, even when we are sleeping. It is only when an individual becomes unconscious, that the body is in a complete state of muscular rest. Otherwise, the muscles are always contracting and relaxing.
1. MOVEMENTS OF BODY PARTS: Skeletal muscles are responsible for all voluntary movements of human body parts. They provide the force by contracting actively at the expense of energy. In other words, muscles are motors of body where chemical energy of food is converted into mechanical work. 2. STABILITY AND POSTURE: Skeletal muscles stabilize human skeleton and give a proper posture to human beings. Some joints of human body are weak and they require the support of muscular system to achieve stability. Skeletal muscles are very important for such joints. 3. HEAT PRODUCTION: A large share of bodys energy is used by muscular system. As a result of high metabolic rate, muscles produce great amount of heat in the body. Heat produced by muscles is very important in cold climates. 4. CIRCULATION: Cardiac muscles provide the main force for circulation of blood throughout human body. The regular pumping of heat keeps the blood in motion and nutrients are readily available to every tissue of human body. 5. HELP IN DIGESTION: Smooth muscles of organs like stomach and intestine help the digestive system in the process of digestion of food.