Final answer:
The basic unit of a muscle is a muscle fiber. Muscle fibers contain protein filaments called actin and myosin, which slide past each other during muscle contraction. Muscle contraction is responsible for all movements in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skeletal Muscles:
The basic unit of a muscle is called a muscle fiber. In the human body, there are approximately 650 skeletal muscles, each composed of muscle fibers.
Actin and Myosin:
Muscle fibers contain myofibrils, which consist of protein filaments called actin and myosin. When muscles contract, these protein filaments slide past each other, resulting in the shortening of the muscle fiber.
Muscle Contraction:
Muscle contraction is responsible for all movements in the body. The energy for contraction is provided by ATP, and the signal for contraction is sent from the nervous system.