Muscles

Muscles are specialized tissues within your body that generate force to produce movement, maintain posture, and support bodily functions. Made up of long, fibrous cells called muscle fibers, they contract when stimulated by nerves, shortening to create motion. There are three main types: skeletal muscles, which control voluntary movements like walking; smooth muscles, found in organs like the stomach; and cardiac muscle, which makes up the heart. Muscles work in pairs—when one contracts, the other relaxes—to produce smooth, coordinated actions essential for daily activities and overall health.