The fibrous tissues of the body which -- among other things -- make bodily movement possible Muscles come in several "types " The striped (or striated) muscles are called "voluntary," those which are capable of strong, controllable, contractions These skeletal muscles themselves come in two types: fast twitch (for energy bursts) and slow twitch (for slower, more efficient energy burning) Smooth, or "involuntary," muscles are less powerfully contracting, and perform such functions as aiding in digestion Finally, the cardiac (heart) muscles are a form of striped-involuntary muscle
A tissue composed of fibers capable of contracting and relaxing to effect bodily movement (Dict)