Systemic anatomy
General anatomy of the skeletal muscles
The skeletal muscles are attached to bones and contracting muscles causes them to move (Figs. 126-128). Muscles participate in formation of body cavities and have influence upon organs of sight, hearing and equilibrium. They help to retain the body in balance, provide support and movement, accomplish respiration and swallowing and perform facial gestures. The human body contains about 400 muscles, which contract voluntarily when a person wills them to.
Fig. 126. The scheme of muscle attachments to the bones: 1 - muscle fascicles; 2 - tendon