How Kids’ Bodies Stay Active, Strong & Coordinated
Provided By The ICPA
Every month, we’ve been learning about a different part of your AMAZING body. It’s June, summertime is
here, and this month we’re learning about the muscles of the body. Muscles help you move – to smile,
laugh, blink, run, jump, and dance.
Did you know you have more than 600 muscles in your body? The largest muscles are the gluteal muscles
in your lower body to support your pelvis and hips, so you can move and run while keeping your spine
stable and aligned. The smallest muscle in your body is inside your ear – it’s only about 1 millimeter long –
It stabilizes the smallest bone in your body, also inside the ear, when it vibrates as sound waves move in to
your ear.
Different Types of Muscles
Skeletal Muscles
Did you know there are different types of muscles? Some muscles help to move your body; we call these
“skeletal muscles.” Skeletal muscles are also called “striated” muscles because when looked at under a
microscope, they look “striated,” or striped. Many of your skeletal muscles work together so you can run,
jump, skip, and play sports. Your brain controls how well your muscles work together – this is called
‘coordination.’ For example, when you do a ‘jumping jack,’ your body coordinates more than 20 different
muscles at the same time. How AMAZING is that? You can control these muscles – and choose to throw a
ball, smile, or run. Some of these muscles are also controlled automatically through your brain and central
nervous system.
Right now, as you’re sitting or standing and reading this, many muscles around your spine are helping you
to stay upright and have good posture. When you fall and catch yourself, your body sends lightning-fast
signals your brain so it can activate your muscles, allowing you to catch yourself. Chiropractic adjustments are
important because they help your brain coordinate muscle movements, and they keep your spine aligned so
these spine-stabilizing posture muscles can do their jobs well.
Ready to enjoy more? Click here to read on.