
Skeletal muscle physiology
Skeletal muscle physiology involves how muscles move and generate force. These muscles are made up of fibers containing tiny units called myofibrils, which contract when stimulated by nerves. When you decide to move, your brain sends electrical signals through nerves to activate muscle fibers. Inside these fibers, specialized proteins slide past each other, causing the muscle to shorten and produce movement. This process requires energy from a molecule called ATP. Skeletal muscles work in pairs, one contracting while the other relaxes, enabling smooth, controlled motions. Proper function depends on nerve signals, healthy muscle fibers, and energy supply.