Muscle Classification

Muscles are classified based on their location and function. The classification of muscles is as follows:

Skeletal Muscles
Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones and are responsible for the voluntary movement of the body. They are striated muscles, which means that they have a striped appearance when viewed under a microscope. Skeletal muscles are under conscious control, and we can contract and relax them at will. Examples include biceps, triceps, and quadriceps.

Visceral Muscles
Visceral muscles are also called smooth muscles. They are located in the walls of internal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. Visceral muscles are responsible for the involuntary movement of the body, such as the contraction of the stomach during digestion. They are not striated muscles and are not under conscious control.

Cardiac Muscles
Cardiac muscles are found in the walls of the heart. They are striated muscles but are involuntary, meaning that we cannot consciously control their movements. Cardiac muscles are responsible for the regular contraction and relaxation of the heart, which pumps blood throughout the body.

Conclusion
Based on the location, muscles are classified into three main categories: skeletal, visceral, and cardiac. Skeletal muscles are striated and are responsible for voluntary movement, while visceral muscles are smooth and are responsible for involuntary movement. Cardiac muscles are also striated but are involuntary and are responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the heart.

On the basis of striations, muscles are classified as striated and unstriated. On the basis of their regulation, muscles are classified into two categories – voluntary and involuntary.