Muscle: The Unexpected Feats Of Your Body’S Largest Organ

While we often perceive muscles as the primary source of physical strength and attractive physique, we tend to overlook the vital role that organs play in our overall well-being by carrying out important functions such as blood circulation and digestion.

However, muscles are more than just body movers. According to Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti, the chief medical officer of Rebel Health Alliance, muscles should be considered organs in their own right. They not only facilitate movement but also have a profound impact on metabolism, immune system support, and mental health, as he explained in an interview with The Epoch Times.

By acknowledging the multifaceted role of muscles as organs, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their contribution to our systemic health, Dr. Palakodeti emphasized.

Biology professor Walter Jahn, in correspondence with The Epoch Times, highlighted that an organ is defined as a collaboration of multiple tissues performing a common function. This definition invites us to reconsider the holistic significance of muscles beyond their conventional understanding.

Dr. Walter Frontera, an expert in muscle physiology, further added that muscles are highly dynamic and adaptable tissues within the human body. They not only regulate body temperature and energy consumption but also fulfill other critical functions.

One fascinating aspect is the role of skeletal muscles as reservoirs of amino acids required by other organs like the skin, brain, and heart for synthesizing organ-specific proteins, Dr. Frontera explained.

Mounting evidence indicates that muscles have a more intricate role than previously believed.

Endocrine organs, such as the thyroid and pituitary gland, release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are crucial for regulating growth, reproduction, mood, and immune responses, which are vital for overall health.

Dr. Palakodeti suggests that muscles may have a similar function to traditional endocrine organs, such as the pituitary gland. In response to bodily signals, muscles produce chemicals that enter the bloodstream and target specific organs, influencing physiological responses.

“Muscles secrete myokines, which act like hormones to communicate with other organs,” he explained. “Research shows that this endocrine function of muscles may help regulate inflammation, fat metabolism, and brain health.”

One specific myokine called irisin has the remarkable ability to convert inactive white fat into calorie-burning brown fat, thereby promoting better weight control and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases. Additionally, irisin fosters the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain health and potentially guards against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

While the pancreas is typically credited with regulating blood sugar levels, muscles also play a crucial role. During physical activity, muscles utilize glucose as their primary energy source, leading to lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin efficiency.

“Muscle contraction during both aerobic and resistance training stimulates the uptake of glucose without any need for insulin’s assistance,” Dr. Lyon elaborates in her book Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well.

Erik Richter, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, also mentions that exercise in humans can increase muscle glucose uptake up to 100-fold compared to a resting state. This dramatic increase in glucose uptake enhances insulin sensitivity and aids in blood sugar regulation. More muscle mass means a greater number of GLUT4 transporters, leading to enhanced glucose management during and after exercise.

In addition to their role in movement, muscles act as auxiliary pumps that support the heart’s function by facilitating fluid movement throughout the body. The heart alone cannot efficiently return blood from the legs due to gravity. Skeletal muscle contractions during movement assist in pushing the blood upward by squeezing the veins, thereby enhancing overall circulation with each contraction.

The authors of the aforementioned study also mentioned that skeletal muscle and T cells interact and help each other stay youthful.

The next time you think about fitness, remember that every step, lift, or stretch taps into this remarkable system. What other secrets could your muscles be hiding? The journey to discovering their full potential has only just begun.