THIRD LECTURE. 



MYOLOGY, OR THE STUDY OF THE 

 MUSCULAR SYSTEM. 



ii8. IN intimate connection with the bony structures, we have the 

 muscular system or the active organs of locomotion. Muscle is also 

 found entering into the formation of the walls of various organs of the 

 body, as the stomach, bladder, &c. Muscle, Flesh, or Beef, is a 

 contractile, fibrous structure, and forms the bulk and symmetry of the 

 body. It is composed of bundles of small fibres, held together by 

 connective tissue. There are two kinds of Muscles— Striped, or 

 Voluntary; and Non-Striped, or Involuntary. The voluntary 

 muscles are under the control of the will, as for example, those of the 

 legs, &c. ; while the involuntary muscles carry on the functions of the 

 body, independently of the will, as those of the intestines, uterus, blood- 

 vessels, &c. The muscle of the heart, however, though involuntary, 

 is striped. 



I ig. A Voluntary muscle may be said to consist of three parts : — • 

 1st, the tendinous origin — i.e., where it arises ; 2nd, the body, or 

 fleshy part — the contractile portion, or tissue, which does all the work, 

 producing the movements of the body ; and 3rd, the termination in 

 the pale yellowish-white glistening bands, or fibrous cords, called 

 Tendons, or Sinews, which are extremely strong, though very light. 

 These latter are inserted into the various portions of the bony structure, 

 which are to be acted upon in locomotion, and thus attach the muscle 

 to the bone. 



