What Is a Human Muscle Cell?
The human body is a wondrous thing. It is comprised of millions of different components: organs, systems, tissues, muscles and bones. Each of these structures is also complex. The muscle tissue requires cells to aid them in constant function. The cells within the body supply nutrients and oxygen in order to keep the body running efficiently.
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Types
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The muscle tissues in the body perform many functions, but most of them involve some type of movement. Muscle tissue enables the body to move, breathe, flex, stretch, and perform any physical task. Within the muscle tissue there are three types of cells. These are called smooth, cardiac and skeletal. Each has a different look and is made to do a different thing.
Skeletal Muscle Cells
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The individual muscles of the body are compartmentalized. Within each of these compartments are cells made up of a collagen matrix. The matrix is what connects the tendon to the bone. Skeletal muscle aids primarily in voluntary movement of the muscles. For example, when you throw a ball across a field, your brain told those muscles to make that movement.
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Cardiac Muscle Cells
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Cardiac muscle cells have a makeup similar to skeletal cells, but they are not multi-nuclear. They form a network of branching fibers. These cells surround the heart and aid in its functions. They help the heart contract (beat) and promote blood flow through the ventricles and atria to the circulatory system. The cells ensure oxygen and nutrients flow consistently to other body systems through the blood. The actions these muscles perform are involuntary functions that are necessary to keep the body alive.
Smooth Muscle Cells
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Smooth muscle cells have a very different appearance than cardiac or skeletal muscle cells. They have one central nucleus, much like cardiac muscles. But smooth muscle cells line the hollow organs in sheets. For example, they line the walls of the gastro-intestinal tract. This allows for the passage of food throughout the body while gaining valuable nutrients. They also are attached to hair follicles and internal blood vessels. The movement they promote is involuntary.
Significance
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Cells are a basic functional unit of life. They are contained in every part of the human body. We rarely realize it, but our body performs millions of movements each day. These movements are essential to your survival and the health of your physical structure. Without them, you could not eat, walk, breathe, speak, or even sleep.
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References
- Photo Credit muscle body image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
