Muscle Facts and Functions

Front

What do muscles allow you to do?

Back

Walk, run, and jump, and help with important jobs like pumping blood and digesting food.

Front

What are the three types of muscles in the human body?

Back

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

Front

What is the largest muscle in the human body?

Back

The gluteus maximus.

Front

What is the smallest muscle in the human body?

Back

The stapedius.

Front

How much of your total body weight do muscles make up?

Back

Around 40%.

Front

How many muscles does the human body have?

Back

Over 600 muscles.

Front

What connects muscles to bones?

Back

Tendons.

Front

What happens when you think about moving a muscle?

Back

The muscle moves.

Front

What is the role of the brain in muscle movement?

Back

It sends a message to the muscles to contract.

Front

What do muscles do when they contract?

Back

They become shorter and thicker, pulling on the bone.