ANATOMY&PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES

MUSCULAR-NERVOUS-CONNECTIVE TISSUE Muscular Tissue. Muscle is a tissue which is specialised for contraction, and by means of this, movements are performed. it is composed of cylindrical fibres which correspond to the cells of other tissues. These are bound together into little bundles of fibres by a form of connective tissue which contains a highly specialised contractile element. There are three types of muscle: Striped (Striated, skeletal or voluntary muscle). The individual muscle fibres are transversely striated by alternate light and dark markings. Each fibre is enclosed in a fine membrane - the Sarcolemma ( meaning - muscle sheath). A number of fibres are massed together to form bundles; to form large and small muscles.  When a muscle contracts it shortens, and each individual fibre takes part in the movement by contracting. This type only contracts when stimulated to do so by the nervous system.