Smooth muscle is found throughout the body where it serves various functions. It is present in the stomach, intestines, urinary system, blood vessels, and other organs. Smooth muscle differs from skeletal muscle in that it can maintain tone for extended periods and often contracts involuntarily. The document lists several functions of smooth muscle in different body systems such as propelling food and regulating blood flow. Smooth muscle is an important muscle type found in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, renal, genital, respiratory, and integumentary systems that aids various bodily functions.
2. Smooth muscle is found throughout the body where
it serves a variety of functions. It is in the stomach
and intestines where it helps with digestion and
nutrient collection.
It is found throughout the urinary system where it
functions to help rid the body of toxins and works in
electrolyte balance.
Introduction
3. Smooth muscle differs from skeletal muscle in
function. Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth muscle is
capable of maintaining tone for extended periods and
often contracts involuntarily.
Smooth Muscle Structure
4. Gastrointestinal tract: Propulsion of the food bolus
Cardiovascular: Regulation of blood flow and pressure via
vascular resistance
Renal: Regulation of urine flow
Genital: Contractions during pregnancy, propulsion of
sperm
Respiratory tract: Regulation of bronchiole diameter
Integument: Raises hair with erector pili muscle
Sensory: Dilation and constriction of the pupil as well as
changing lens shape
Smooth Muscle Function
5. Smooth muscle can be found in all the organ systems below:
Gastrointestinal tract
Cardiovascular: Blood vessel and lymphatic vessels
Renal: Urinary bladder
Genital: Male and female reproductive tracts
Respiratory tract
Integument: erector pili of the skin
Sensory: Ciliary muscle and iris of the eye
Muscles