Muscle Tissue

Muscle cells are designed for contraction. There are three distinct types of muscle fibers dispersed in the body based on location and function.  There is abundant blood supply to the area to nourish the cells, provide nutrients for contraction, and dispose of waste. The three types are skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.

Key Unique Characteristics:

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

1. Skeletal muscle contraction produces bone and joint movement. 

2. The cells are long and cylindrical and have many nuclei.  

3. Striations. 

4. Contraction is voluntarily controlled (conscious control). 

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Cardiac Muscle Tissue

1. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart. – Connect heart cells together and aid in cardiac 

muscle contraction.

2. Involuntary muscle control.

3. Single nucleus in each cell.

4. Striations.

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Smooth Muscle Tissue

1. Found in the walls of internal organs, digestive tract, blood vessels, and urinary bladder.

2. Lack striations.

3. Uninucleate and consist of spindle shaped cells.

4. Involuntary.