What are the muscles and how do they work? - Presentation

Muscles are fundamental components of the human body, crucial for movement and attached to bones via tendons. They operate by contracting, which means they shorten and generate a pulling force on the bone to which they're connected. This contraction enables the body to move. When muscles relax, they return to their original length and the tension is released. It's important to note that muscles can only exert a pulling force; they are incapable of pushing. Consequently, muscles work in pairs to facilitate movement around a joint: while one muscle contracts and pulls the joint in one direction, its counterpart contracts to pull in the opposite direction. This coordinated action allows for the smooth and controlled movements that are essential for everyday activities.

To provide a practical understanding of how muscles function, an interactive activity is suggested where students work in groups using balloons to model the action of muscles. This hands-on approach encourages them to discuss, hypothesize, experiment, and then reflect on their findings. Students are tasked with recording their initial ideas, considering any necessary refinements, evaluating the success of their experiment, and contemplating how they might approach the task differently in the future. Through this investigative process, students gain a deeper insight into the workings of muscles and the significance of the musculoskeletal system in human anatomy.