16.Composition of Muscles:
Muscles are composed of specialized contractile tissues that enable movement and provide structural support to the body. They are made up of muscle fibers, connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The primary components of muscles include:
- Muscle Fibers: Muscle fibers, also known as muscle cells, are the basic building blocks of muscles. They are long, cylindrical cells that contain specialized proteins called myofilaments, which are responsible for muscle contraction.
- Connective Tissue: Connective tissue surrounds and supports the muscle fibers, providing structure and organization to the muscle. It includes the endomysium (connective tissue around individual muscle fibers), perimysium (connective tissue around bundles of muscle fibers called fascicles), and epimysium (connective tissue surrounding the entire muscle).
- Blood Vessels: Muscles have a rich blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products. Blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, supply the muscle tissues with oxygenated blood and facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste products.
- Nerves: Muscles are innervated by nerves that control their contraction and enable voluntary and involuntary movements. Nerves transmit electrical signals called action potentials, which stimulate muscle fibers to contract.
