Describe in detail the location, structure and functions of smooth muscles.
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Smooth muscles are also known as non- striated, visceral or involuntary muscles.
Structure:
1. These muscles are present in the form of sheets or layers.
2. Each muscle cell is spindle shaped or fusiform.
3. The fibres are unbranched and have a single nucleus that is located centrally.
4. The sarcoplasm contains myofibrils which are made up of the contractile proteins – actin and myosin.
5. Smooth muscles contain less myosin and more actin.
6. Striations are absent, hence smooth muscles are also known as non-striated muscles,
7. These muscles are innervated by the autonomous nervous system.
Location: It is found in walls of visceral organs and blood vessels. Therefore, smooth muscles are also known as visceral muscles.
Function: Smooth muscles are associated with involuntary movements of the body like peristaltic movement of food through the digestive system.
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