Question

What are the main functions of muscles? Check all that apply.

1) Converting stored energy
2) Helping people look good
3) Moving the body
4) Protecting organs
5) Providing a line of communication between the brain and the bones

Answer 1

The primary functions of muscles are the movement of the body, protection of internal organs, and enabling bodily processes like digestion and respiration through contraction. Muscles also maintain posture and stability and are voluntarily controlled at the openings of internal tracts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main functions of muscles include:

1. Converting stored energy into mechanical energy to produce movement.
2. Moving the body by contracting and relaxing to manipulate the skeleton and produce locomotion.
3. Protecting organs by providing a cover that can absorb impact and support the weight of the body's organs.

Skeletal muscles are responsible for maintaining posture and balance by making small, constant adjustments. They also protect internal organs and help maintain skeletal stability. Additionally, muscles located at the openings of internal tracts control the movement of substances through these tracts, allowing processes such as swallowing and elimination to be under voluntary control.

While one of the options mentions helping people look good, this is more of a secondary effect rather than a primary biological function. Additionally, muscles do not provide a direct line of communication between the brain and the bones; that is the role of the nervous system, although muscles do respond to signals from the nervous system to perform their functions.