Author: Mrs. Saba Ruksaar
Volume: 01
First Online: 31 August 2024
Pages: 139-158
DOI:

The appendicular skeletal system comprises the bones of the limbs and girdles, crucial for movement and stability. Salient features of these bones include their structure—long, short, flat, and irregular shapes, designed for various functions such as support, leverage, and protection. These bones enable locomotion, manipulation of objects, and balance. The organization of skeletal muscle involves a hierarchy from muscle fibers bundled into fascicles, which combine to form the entire muscle. Muscle contraction, governed by the sliding filament theory, involves the interaction between actin and myosin filaments, powered by ATP. At the neuromuscular junction, nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters, leading to the depolarization of the muscle fiber membrane and initiating contraction. This complex process allows for voluntary and precise movements, essential for various physical activities.