ABSTRACT
Movement of the human body is elicited by the contraction of skeletal muscle pulling against a system of levers, the skeletal system. As we all know from everyday life and sports performance, the speed and force of a movement can vary depending on the situation. The structure and function of the skeletal system are covered in the first section of this chapter, including skeletal form and the physiology of bones, cartilage, and joints. In the second section we discuss the muscular system, including muscle structure (types and functions), muscular contraction (including neural stimulation), muscles and movement, and an anatomical review of major skeletal muscles in the body. In the final section, there is a brief focus on the response of skeletal muscle to acute exercise, in relation to the increased demands for oxygen and fuel substrates. The response to exercise will be covered in more detail in Part 2 of the textbook.
