6.2: Introduction

There are three distinct types of muscle tissues, each with its unique characteristics and functions (Figure 1). Skeletal muscles, which comprise a significant portion of musculature, derive their name from their role in moving the skeleton and their attachment to skeletal structures. In contrast, cardiac muscle is exclusive to the heart, orchestrating the vital task of propelling blood throughout the circulatory system. Smooth muscle is responsible for an array of involuntary movements, such as causing hair to stand on end when cold or facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. This chapter delves into the comprehensive functions of skeletal and smooth muscle tissues. The cardiac muscle is dedicated to a section elsewhere in this textbook. 

Bones are the rigid framework that supports our bodies, facilitates movement, protects vital organs, and plays a pivotal role in mineral storage and blood cell formation. This chapter deals with bone formation, remodeling, and repair processes while examining the dynamic interplay of cells, such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts, in sculpting and maintaining bone structure. The role of bones in calcium and phosphate metabolism will also be dealt with.

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