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Types of Skeletal Muscle and Muscle Contraction Overview

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Types of Skeletal Muscle

Source: Images and Video Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

Muscle Contractions: Macro View

Source: Images and Video Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

Video Transcription

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Terms to Know
Antagonistic Contraction

When an opposing muscle on the opposite side of a joint contracts to create an opposing movement to its muscle counterpart. For example, your biceps pull your forearm toward your upper arm, while your triceps help you straighten out your arm; biceps are antagonistic to triceps.

Fast Skeletal Muscle

Also known as white skeletal muscle; a type of muscle that can contract quickly for a short period of time.

Insertion

The fixed, moveable end of a skeletal muscle.

Joint

An area where two or more bones come together.

Myoglobin

A protein that binds oxygen which is necessary for the production of ATP.

Origin

The fixed, non-moveable end of a skeletal muscle.

Reciprocal Innervation

The nervous system controlling muscle groups that oppose and work against one another; allows for a variety of movements and protection of joints.

Slow Skeletal Muscle

Also known as red skeletal muscle; a type of muscle that can contract slowly for long periods of time.

Synergistic Contraction

When a group of muscles work together to create the same movement; an example would be your bicep brachii and brachialis muscle contraction simultaneously to create flexion (bending) of your elbow.

Tendon

A tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone.