What characterizes the muscular system?

The muscular system is characterized by the presence of three distinct types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is voluntary and under conscious control, allowing for movement of the skeleton. Cardiac muscle, found only in the heart, is involuntary and responsible for pumping blood. Smooth muscle is also involuntary and is found in the walls of internal organs, contributing to processes such as digestion and blood flow.

This classification into three types signifies the diversity and specialization of muscle tissues in the body, each serving unique functions essential for overall physiology and health. Understanding this arrangement is fundamental for the study of anatomy and physiology, particularly in recognizing how different types of muscle contribute to bodily functions.