There are more than 650 named skeletal muscles in the human body, though some estimates go up to as many as 840. These muscles are responsible for a variety of functions, from moving our bodies to helping our internal organs work.
Here are the three main types of muscle:
- Skeletal muscle: This type of muscle is responsible for movement. It is attached to bones and is controlled voluntarily.
- Smooth muscle: This type of muscle is found in the walls of internal organs, such as the stomach and intestines. It is responsible for involuntary movements, such as digestion.
- Cardiac muscle: This type of muscle is found only in the heart. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
The brain, nerves, and skeletal muscles work together to cause movement, and this is collectively known as the neuromuscular system.
The number of muscles in the human body is a topic of ongoing debate, with various experts providing slightly different estimates. However, it's generally accepted that there are hundreds of muscles working tirelessly to keep our bodies functioning.