Muscular levers

Fig. 9.15. Aspects of muscular levers. Reduction of force under continuous change of angle...

Fig. 9.16. Aspects of muscular levers. Thoracic stress and click mechanics in flies...

If whole groups of muscles are immobilized as, e.g., by means of a plaster cast, muscle force will decrease in the beginning by 25-30% per week. During purposeful muscle training, however, increased muscle power is achieved. The values of muscular stress during exercise must exceed those of the normal daily activity (Figure 6.7). The locomotor system (bones, joints, muscles, and tendons) operates according to a lever... 

The skeleton provides mechanical support for the body, a rigid framework for muscle attachment and a system of levers which enable different parts of the body, e.g. limbs and jaws, to be moved by muscular contraction. 

Motor skills and all forms of movement result from the interaction of muscular force, gravity, and any other external forces that impinge on skeletal levers. The muscles rarely act alone rather, groups of muscles interact in many ways to accomplish the desired movement. This interaction may take many... 

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