Year 7 Biology: Muscular System

Introduction to the Muscular System

Hello, Year 7! Today, we’re going to learn about the muscular system. This system is really important because it helps us move around, do everyday activities, and even breathe!

What is the Muscular System?

The muscular system is made up of all the muscles in our body. Muscles are special tissues that can contract (get shorter) and relax (get longer). When muscles contract, they pull on bones and help us move.

Types of Muscles

There are three main types of muscles in our body:

1. Skeletal Muscles:
   • These are the muscles that we can control.
   • They help us move our arms, legs, and other body parts.
   • Example: The muscles in your biceps (the front of your upper arm).
2. Smooth Muscles:
   • These muscles work automatically and we cannot control them.
   • They are found in our organs (like the stomach and blood vessels).
   • Example: The muscles that help move food through your digestive system.
3. Cardiac Muscle:
   • This muscle is found only in the heart.
   • It works automatically to pump blood around the body.

How Do Muscles Work?

Muscles work in pairs. When one muscle contracts, the other muscle in the pair relaxes. For example, when you bend your arm, your biceps contract, and your triceps relax. When you straighten your arm, your triceps contract, and your biceps relax. This is called antagonistic movement.

Key Functions of the Muscular System

1. Movement: Muscles allow us to move our bodies and perform activities.
2. Posture: Muscles help us stand up straight and maintain our posture.
3. Heat Production: When muscles work, they produce heat, which helps keep our body warm.
4. Protection: Muscles protect our organs by surrounding them.

Important Tips and Tricks

• Stay Active: Regular exercise keeps your muscles strong and healthy. Try activities like running, swimming, or playing sports!
• Eat Well: Eating a balanced diet with protein helps your muscles grow. Foods like chicken, fish, beans, and nuts are great for this.
• Stretch: Always stretch before and after exercising to keep your muscles flexible and prevent injuries.

Engaging Question

• Can you think of a time when you used your muscles to do something fun?

Questions About the Muscular System

Easy Level Questions

1. What are the three types of muscles?
2. Which muscles can we control?
3. What is the function of skeletal muscles?
4. Where is cardiac muscle found?
5. What do smooth muscles help move?
6. What is it called when muscles work in pairs?
7. Name a muscle in your arm.
8. What do muscles produce when they work?
9. How do muscles help us stay warm?
10. What type of muscle is found in your heart?
11. Which muscle helps you bend your arm?
12. What happens to your biceps when you straighten your arm?
13. Why is exercise important for muscles?
14. What is one food that helps muscles grow?
15. What do we call the muscles that surround our organs?
16. Can you name a sport that uses a lot of muscles?
17. What happens to muscles when you don’t use them for a long time?
18. What is posture?
19. Why is stretching important?
20. What type of muscle is found in blood vessels?

Medium Level Questions

1. Explain how antagonistic pairs work.
2. What roles do skeletal muscles play in movement?
3. Why can’t we control smooth muscles?
4. How does exercise affect muscle size?
5. What is the importance of muscle tone?
6. What happens to your heart rate when you exercise?
7. How do muscles help with balance?
8. What is a common injury related to muscles?
9. Describe how muscles help with digestion.
10. What happens to muscles when they are injured?
11. Why do muscles get sore after exercise?
12. How can you strengthen your muscles?
13. What is the role of protein in muscle health?
14. How many muscles are in the human body?
15. What is the diaphragm and what does it do?
16. Why is it important to stay hydrated during exercise?
17. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles?
18. How do muscles and bones work together?
19. What are tendons and what do they do?
20. How can you avoid muscle cramps?

Hard Level Questions

1. Explain the sliding filament theory.
2. How do muscles receive the signals to contract?
3. What are the main energy sources for muscles during exercise?
4. Describe the role of calcium in muscle contraction.
5. What adaptations occur in muscles due to regular exercise?
6. How do muscle fibers differ in type?
7. Explain how the nervous system interacts with the muscular system.
8. What happens to muscle tissue during aging?
9. How do you think muscle injuries heal?
10. What is lactic acid, and how does it affect muscles?
11. How do muscle contractions help maintain homeostasis in the body?
12. What are the effects of anabolic steroids on muscles?
13. Describe how physical therapy helps muscle recovery.
14. How does muscle composition differ between athletes and non-athletes?
15. What is the role of myoglobin in muscles?
16. How do different types of exercise affect muscle growth?
17. Describe how bodybuilders train their muscles differently.
18. What is muscle hypertrophy?
19. How does the muscular system interact with the respiratory system?
20. Discuss the importance of flexibility in the muscular system.

Answers to the Questions

Easy Level Answers

1. Skeletal, Smooth, Cardiac
2. Skeletal muscles
3. They help us move.
4. In the heart
5. Food through the digestive system
6. Antagonistic movement
7. Biceps
8. Heat
9. It helps keep our body warm.
10. Cardiac muscle
11. The biceps contract.
12. The triceps contract.
13. It keeps them strong and healthy.
14. Chicken
15. Smooth muscles
16. Football
17. They can weaken.
18. It’s how we hold our bodies.
19. To keep muscles flexible
20. Smooth muscles

Medium Level Answers

1. One muscle contracts while the other relaxes.
2. They help move bones.
3. Because they are automatic.
4. Muscles may become larger.
5. It helps maintain strength.
6. It increases.
7. Muscles help keep us upright.
8. Strains and sprains
9. They help split food into smaller pieces.
10. They may become weak.
11. Because of tiny tears in muscle fibers.
12. By lifting weights and doing resistance training.
13. It helps build and repair muscles.
14. About 600 muscles
15. It helps with breathing.
16. To prevent dehydration
17. Voluntary muscles can be controlled; involuntary cannot.
18. They work together to allow movement.
19. They connect muscles to bones.
20. By staying hydrated, stretching, and warming up.

Hard Level Answers

1. It explains how muscles shorten during contractions.
2. Through electrical signals from nerves.
3. Glucose and fatty acids.
4. Calcium allows muscle fibers to contract.
5. Muscles grow and become stronger.
6. Slow-twitch and fast-twitch fibers.
7. It sends signals for muscles to move.
8. Muscle mass decreases.
9. Through rest, rehabilitation, and therapy.
10. It can cause fatigue and discomfort.
11. It helps regulate body temperature and blood flow.
12. They can increase muscle mass but have harmful effects.
13. It improves strength and movement.
14. Athletes have more fast-twitch fibers.
15. It stores oxygen for muscles.
16. Aerobic exercise builds endurance; strength training builds size.
17. They focus on heavy lifting and high repetitions.
18. It’s an increase in muscle size.
19. Muscles help us breathe by expanding the chest.
20. Flexibility helps prevent injuries and improves performance.

I hope this helps you understand the muscular system better! Keep exploring and asking questions.