Structure of Skeletal Muscle

The most notable feature of **skeletal** muscle is its ability to contract, enabling movement. In addition to producing movement, skeletal muscles also act to stop movement, such as resisting gravity to maintain posture. Small, continuous adjustments in these muscles are essential for holding the body upright or balanced in any position. Muscles also prevent excessive movement of bones and joints, contributing to skeletal stability and reducing the risk of structural damage or deformation. By stabilizing joints, skeletal muscles help prevent misalignment or dislocation due to forces exerted on associated bones. Skeletal muscles are found throughout the body, including at the openings of internal tracts, where they control the movement of various substances. This positioning allows functions such as swallowing, urination and defecation to be controlled voluntarily. Skeletal muscles also protect internal organs, particularly those in the abdominal and pelvic organs, providing an external barrier against trauma and supporting the weight of organs. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, Skeletal Muscle, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/bfiqsxdB@3/Skeletal-Muscle* ## Keywords structure of skeletal muscle muscle fiber muscle belly snopec fascia tendon bone