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# Functions of the Muscular System * **Producing movement:** Mobility of the body as a whole reflects the activity of the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for all locomotion. They enable us to respond quickly to changes in the external environment. * **Maintaining posture:** We are rarely a...

# Functions of the Muscular System * **Producing movement:** Mobility of the body as a whole reflects the activity of the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for all locomotion. They enable us to respond quickly to changes in the external environment. * **Maintaining posture:** We are rarely aware of the skeletal muscles that maintain body posture, yet they function almost continuously, making one tiny adjustment after another so that we can maintain an erect or seated posture despite the never-ending downward pull of gravity. * **Stabilizing joints:** As the skeletal muscles pull on bones to cause movements, they also stabilize the joints of the skeleton. Muscle tendons are extremely important in reinforcing and stabilizing joints that have poorly fitting articulating surfaces. * **Generating heat:** The fourth function of muscle, generation of body heat, is a by-product of muscle activity. As ATP is used to power muscle contraction, nearly three-quarters of its energy escape as heat. This heat is vital in maintaining normal body temperature.