recognise the key functions of  SKELETAL, CARDIAC and SMOOTH MUSCLE and how they differ and why.

Skeletal Muscle: Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles that control nearly every action a person intentionally performs. They are attached to the skeleton and move parts of the body closer to the bone that the muscle is attached to. They are responsible for locomotion and all voluntary movements of the body. They are striated and are often attached to bones by tendons.

Cardiac Muscle: Cardiac muscle is an involuntary muscle responsible for the contraction of the heart. These contractions allow the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Cardiac muscle tissue, like skeletal muscle tissue, looks striated or striped. The cardiac muscle, however, has a unique feature: the cells are branched and fit together at junctions called intercalated disks, which allow the muscle cells to contract in a wave-like pattern for a more sustained contraction.

Smooth Muscle: Smooth muscle is an involuntary non-striated muscle that is found within the walls of organs and structures such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, bronchi, uterus, urethra, blood vessels, and the arrector pili in the skin (which are responsible for goosebumps). Smooth muscle contracts to move substances through the organ. Because it can stretch and maintain tension for long periods, it is ideal for its role in these organs.

Differences: The main differences between these three types of muscles are their location, structure, and the type of control that governs their movement (voluntary or involuntary). Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are responsible for their movement. They are under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is under involuntary control. Smooth muscle is found in various organs and structures within the body and is also under involuntary control.

Why they differ: These muscles differ in their structure and function to cater to their specific roles in the body. The skeletal muscle allows for voluntary movement and locomotion. The cardiac muscle, with its unique branched structure and intercalated disks, allows for the efficient and continuous pumping of blood. The smooth muscle, with its ability to maintain tension for extended periods, is ideal for its role in moving substances through various organs and structures in the body.