Class
JSS2
Term
Third Term
Week
Week 5
Topic
Muscular System
Duration
40 Minutes
Instructional Materials
- Charts showing the muscular system
- Human skeleton model
- Pictures of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles
- Video clips showing muscle movement
- Flash cards showing parts of muscles
Reference Books
- NERDC Basic Science Curriculum for JSS
- STAN Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Evans Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Comprehensive Basic Science by A.O. Ogunniyi
Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define muscles and muscular system.
- State the types of muscles in the human body.
- Explain the characteristics of each type of muscle.
- State the functions of muscles.
- Explain how muscles work with bones and joints to produce movement.
- State ways of maintaining healthy muscles.
Introduction
Movement in humans and other animals is made possible by muscles. Every action such as walking, running, smiling, writing, and breathing involves the use of muscles.
The muscular system works together with the skeletal system to enable movement and maintain body posture.
Meaning of Muscle
A muscle is a soft tissue that can contract and relax to produce movement.
Muscles are made up of special cells called muscle fibres.
Meaning of Muscular System
The muscular system is the body system made up of all the muscles that enable movement, maintain posture, and support body functions.
Functions of the Muscular System
The muscular system performs the following functions:
- Enables movement of the body.
- Maintains body posture.
- Produces heat to keep the body warm.
- Supports and protects internal organs.
- Helps in breathing.
- Helps in digestion and circulation of blood.
Types of Muscles
There are three main types of muscles:
- Skeletal muscles
- Smooth muscles
- Cardiac muscles
1. Skeletal Muscles (Striated or Voluntary Muscles)
These are muscles attached to bones.
They are called voluntary muscles because they can be controlled consciously.
Characteristics of Skeletal Muscles
- Attached to bones by tendons.
- Long and cylindrical in shape.
- Have light and dark bands (striations).
- Controlled voluntarily.
- Tire easily.
Examples
- Biceps muscle
- Triceps muscle
- Muscles of the legs
- Muscles of the arms
Functions of Skeletal Muscles
- Produce body movement.
- Maintain posture.
- Stabilize joints.
- Generate body heat.
2. Smooth Muscles (Involuntary Muscles)
Smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs.
They are called involuntary muscles because they function automatically without conscious control.
Characteristics of Smooth Muscles
- Found in internal organs.
- Lack striations.
- Spindle-shaped.
- Contract slowly.
- Do not tire easily.
Locations of Smooth Muscles
- Stomach
- Intestine
- Blood vessels
- Urinary bladder
- Uterus
Functions of Smooth Muscles
- Move food through the alimentary canal.
- Control blood flow.
- Assist in childbirth.
- Control movement of urine.
3. Cardiac Muscles
Cardiac muscles are muscles found only in the heart.
They contract rhythmically and continuously throughout life.
Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles
- Found only in the heart.
- Involuntary in action.
- Branched in structure.
- Striated.
- Contract continuously without fatigue.
Functions of Cardiac Muscles
- Pump blood around the body.
- Maintain blood circulation.
- Keep the heart beating continuously.
Comparison of the Three Types of Muscles
| Feature |
Skeletal Muscle |
Smooth Muscle |
Cardiac Muscle |
| Control |
Voluntary |
Involuntary |
Involuntary |
| Location |
Attached to bones |
Internal organs |
Heart |
| Appearance |
Striated |
Non-striated |
Striated |
| Shape |
Long and cylindrical |
Spindle-shaped |
Branched |
| Fatigue |
Tires easily |
Rarely tires |
Does not tire |
Tendons
Tendons are strong fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Functions of Tendons
- Attach muscles to bones.
- Transmit force from muscles to bones.
- Facilitate movement.
Muscles and Movement
Movement occurs when muscles contract and relax.
Muscles work in pairs called antagonistic muscles.
Example: Biceps and Triceps
Biceps
- Located at the front of the upper arm.
- Contracts to bend the arm.
Triceps
- Located at the back of the upper arm.
- Contracts to straighten the arm.
Muscle Fatigue
Muscle fatigue is the inability of muscles to continue working efficiently after prolonged activity.
Causes of Muscle Fatigue
- Excessive exercise
- Lack of oxygen
- Accumulation of lactic acid
- Poor nutrition
Prevention of Muscle Fatigue
- Adequate rest
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Proper hydration
Care of the Muscular System
To maintain healthy muscles:
- Eat protein-rich foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid drug abuse.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Drink plenty of water.
Disorders of the Muscular System
1. Muscle Cramp
Sudden painful contraction of muscles.
Causes:
- Over-exercise
- Dehydration
- Lack of minerals
2. Muscle Strain
Overstretching or tearing of muscles.
Causes:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Excessive exercise
3. Paralysis
Loss of muscle function due to nerve damage.
Practical Activities
Activity 1: Flexing the Arm
Bend and straighten your arm.
Observation: The biceps and triceps contract alternately.
Conclusion: Muscles work in pairs to produce movement.
Activity 2: Observe Muscle Fatigue
Carry a heavy object for some time.
Observation: The muscles become tired.
Conclusion: Muscles can become fatigued after prolonged activity.
Activity 3: Feel the Heartbeat
Place your hand on your chest.
Observation: The heart beats continuously.
Conclusion: Cardiac muscles contract rhythmically throughout life.
Conclusion
The muscular system is made up of muscles that enable movement, maintain posture, and support vital body functions. The three main types of muscles are skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles. Muscles work together with bones and joints to produce movement.
Evaluation
Answer the following questions:
- Define muscle.
- What is the muscular system?
- State the three types of muscles.
- Explain skeletal muscles.
- State three characteristics of smooth muscles.
- What are cardiac muscles?
- Define tendon.
- Explain how muscles produce movement.
- What is muscle fatigue?
- State five ways of caring for the muscular system.
Objective Questions
Choose the correct answer from A–D.
- Muscles are tissues that can ______ and relax.
A. digest
B. contract
C. excrete
D. breathe
Answer: B
- Muscles attached to bones are called ______ muscles.
A. smooth
B. cardiac
C. skeletal
D. involuntary
Answer: C
- Smooth muscles are ______ muscles.
A. voluntary
B. involuntary
C. striated
D. skeletal
Answer: B
- Cardiac muscles are found in the ______.
A. stomach
B. intestine
C. heart
D. liver
Answer: C
- Tendons connect ______.
A. bone to bone
B. muscle to bone
C. muscle to muscle
D. nerve to muscle
Answer: B
- Skeletal muscles are also called ______ muscles.
A. involuntary
B. smooth
C. voluntary
D. cardiac
Answer: C
- The muscles that straighten the arm are called ______.
A. biceps
B. triceps
C. deltoids
D. pectorals
Answer: B
- Muscle fatigue may result from ______.
A. rest
B. adequate sleep
C. excessive exercise
D. balanced diet
Answer: C
- Cardiac muscles are ______ in action.
A. voluntary
B. involuntary
C. partially voluntary
D. temporary
Answer: B
- Proteins are important for healthy ______.
A. teeth
B. muscles
C. nails
D. ears
Answer: B
Essay Questions
- Define muscles and explain the functions of the muscular system.
- Compare skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
- Explain how muscles work together with bones and joints.
- State the causes and prevention of muscle fatigue.
- Explain three disorders of the muscular system.
Assignment
- Draw and label the three types of muscles.
- Explain the differences between skeletal and smooth muscles.
- State six functions of muscles in the human body.
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