The Muscular System

Question

Directions: Answer each question on the lines provided. Use complete sentences.
1. What is a muscle?
2. How do involuntary muscles differ from voluntary muscles?
3. What is one example of a location of a smooth muscle in the human body?
4. Are cardiac muscles voluntary or involuntary? Explain.
5. What is the function of skeletal muscle?
6. Muscles convert chemical energy into thermal energy when you exercise. How does this
affect your body?
Content Vocabulary LESSON 2

Answer 1

1. A muscle is a type of tissue in the body that has the ability to contract and produce movement or maintain positions. Muscles are essential for various functions, including moving parts of the body and maintaining posture.

2. Involuntary muscles differ from voluntary muscles in that involuntary muscles operate without conscious control, while voluntary muscles can be controlled by an individual’s conscious effort. For example, involuntary muscles are responsible for the functions of internal organs, whereas voluntary muscles are used to move the arms and legs.

3. One example of a location of a smooth muscle in the human body is the walls of the intestines. Smooth muscles in this area help move food along the digestive tract through a process called peristalsis.

4. Cardiac muscles are considered involuntary muscles. They function automatically without conscious thought, allowing the heart to pump blood continuously and rhythmically throughout the body.

5. The function of skeletal muscle is to enable movement of the body and maintain posture. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and work in pairs to produce motion, such as lifting or walking.

6. When you exercise, muscles convert chemical energy into thermal energy, which increases your body temperature. This rise in temperature can enhance muscle performance and flexibility, but it can also lead to sweating as the body tries to cool down to prevent overheating.