The muscular system in the human body, the different sports and the respective muscle groups used
Muscular system consist of 215 pairs of skeletal muscles about 600 muscles altogether and make up 40% of body weight. Three main functions are :
- Movement
- Heat production
- Posture and body support
1. MOVEMENT :
We know that it is easier to move or lift weight using levers, our body’s musculoskeletal system also adopts the same principle
- Lever – the bone mostly
- Fulcrum – usually the joint
- Resistive force – external force that acts against muscle force e.x gravity
- Torque – rotation of object about a fulcrum
- First class lever :
Muscle force and resistive force on different side of fulcrum
- Second class lever :
Muscle force and resistive force on same side of fulcrum with the muscle force acting longer than resistive force
- Third class lever :
Muscle and resistive force on same side of fulcrum with muscle force acting shorter than resistive force
Muscles are movers and stabilizers of our bodies, provide human body with variety of functions that allow manipulation of forces placed on body.
- Agonist – prime mover
- Synergist – assist prime mover
- Stabilizer – stabilize while prime mover and synergist work
- Antagonist – oppose prime mover
2. HEAT PRODUCTION :
70% of body heat is produced by energy produced in muscle tissue. Muscles are responsive to both internal and external heat. If the internal heat of the body reaches too low the skeletal muscles contract and relax in an involuntary manner to generate heat. Cold air from exterior increases muscle tone whereas hot temperature /warmer conditions have a relaxing effect on muscles.
3. POSTURE AND BODY SUPPORT:
Sensory receptors monitor the tension and length of the muscles. Muscles are never completely at rest this tension produced by contractions between the various opposing groups help us to remain static even when asleep.
DIFFERENT SPORTS AND MUSCLE GROUPS USED:
CRICKET :
Hamstring, calf muscle, quadriceps, shoulders, rotator cuff.
TENNIS :
Quadriceps, calves, hamstring, core, shoulders, upper back.
FOOTBALL:
Glutes, hamstring, quadriceps, shoulder, pecs, core.
SWIMMING:
Core, lower back muscles, glutes, pecs, shoulders, hamstring.
GOLF:
Oblique, hip rotators, abductors, adductors, shoulders, back muscles.