Chapter I: Muscles

Muscles are the active part of the musculoskeletal system. Our muscles convert chemical energy into mechanical energy, which enables the movement of our body. They also ensure that we maintain our posture and protect our organs. Our muscles also have a considerable influence on our metabolism. It serves as a store for amino acids, carbohydrates and produces heat to regulate our body temperature. Since, above all, the skeletal muscles are relevant for our movements, I will focus exclusively on the skeletal musculature in the following article, leaving out heart and smooth muscles. The aim will first be to explain the basic anatomy of the musculature, whereupon the contraction of the muscles will be explained. In addition, during the rest of the chapter I will explain some details about stem cells, muscle hypertrophy, muscle fatigue and other phenomena related to the muscle.