CHAPTER XIV 

 THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM ^ 



The voluntary muscular system consists of a number of organs — 

 the muscles — and of certain accessory structures — the tendons, tendon 

 sheaths, and hursm. 



A VOLUNTARY MUSCLE consists of Striated muscle fibres arranged 

 in bundles or fascicles and supported by connective tissue. 



The entire muscle is enclosed by a rather firm connective-tissue 

 sheath or capsule — the epimysium (Fig. 127). This sends trabeculae 



Fig. 127.— From a Transverse Section of a Small Human Muscle, showing relations 

 of muscle fibres to connective tissue, a, Epimysium; b, perimysium; c, muscle fibres; 

 d, arteries; e, endomysium. 



of more loosely arranged connective tissue into the substance of the 

 muscle. These divide the muscle fibres into bundles or fascicles. 

 Around each fascicle the connective tissue forms a more or less definite 



^ Definite arrangements of smooth muscle, such as are found in the stomach and 

 intestines, also the muscle of the heart, are properly a part of the muscular system. 

 They are, however, best considered under tissues and in connection with the organs 

 in which they occur. 



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