Check all that are a function of skeletal muscle tissue.
a. Regulation of blood pH b. Body movement c. Maintenance of posture d. Heat production e. Regulating elimination of materials f. Protection and support
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct functions of skeletal muscle tissue include:
- b. Body movement
- c. Maintenance of posture
- d. Heat production
- e. Regulating elimination of materials
- f. Protection and support
Explanation:
Skeletal muscle tissue plays a crucial role in multiple physiological functions, most notably body movement. Muscles contract to move bones and joints, facilitating activities from simple motions like walking to complex tasks like dancing or lifting objects. This movement is generated by the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle fibers, which are under voluntary control, allowing conscious, controlled motion.
Maintenance of posture is another essential function. Skeletal muscles constantly make minor adjustments to counterbalance the force of gravity, ensuring that the body maintains an upright and stable position. This is crucial for balance and stability, particularly during activities such as standing, sitting, or holding any pose for an extended period.
Heat production is another key function of skeletal muscle tissue. Muscle contractions produce heat as a byproduct of the metabolic processes required for energy generation. During intense exercise or even shivering (a reflexive muscle contraction to generate heat), muscles contribute to thermoregulation, helping maintain the body’s core temperature.
Regulating elimination of materials involves skeletal muscles around sphincters. For example, the external anal and urethral sphincters are composed of skeletal muscle tissue that allows voluntary control over the excretion of waste products from the digestive and urinary systems.
Lastly, protection and support of internal organs is a critical role, especially in regions where skeletal muscles form protective walls, such as in the abdomen. Here, muscles shield organs from external impacts and provide support to maintain proper organ placement, playing a passive but essential role in overall bodily function.
However, regulation of blood pH is not a direct function of skeletal muscle tissue. This process is managed primarily by the respiratory and renal systems, which adjust blood pH through the exhalation of CO₂ and through filtration and excretion functions in the kidneys.