Muscular Physiology

Muscular physiology explores how muscles work to produce movement. Muscles contract when they receive signals from the nervous system, using a process called the sliding filament theory, where tiny protein fibers within muscle cells slide past each other. This contraction requires energy from food. Muscles can be voluntary, like those used for walking, or involuntary, like the heart. They also help maintain posture, generate heat, and stabilize joints. Efficient muscle function depends on proper blood flow, nutrient delivery, and nerve signals, allowing us to perform daily movements and physical activities effectively.