Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Muscles are tissues in our bodies that have contractile properties allowing them to produce movement when stimulated by nerves. They work together with bones and joints to create voluntary or involuntary actions.
Related terms
Skeletal Muscles: These are attached to bones and responsible for voluntary movements such as walking or lifting weights.
Smooth Muscles: Found in organs and blood vessels, these muscles control involuntary actions like digestion or regulating blood pressure.
Cardiac Muscles: A specific type of muscle found only in the heart that contracts rhythmically to pump blood throughout the body.