Secretion and regenerative function of skeletal muscle

―Night Science―

Abstract

Skeletal muscle has been recognized as an organ that imparts movement to the skeleton by contracting, creating motion and enabling movement. Recently, however, it has become clear that skeletal muscle contraction is linked to physiological functions other than movement, and it is being recognized that the role played by skeletal muscle is broader than previously imagined. Specifically, it covers a wide range of fields, including systemic metabolic regulation including glucose metabolism, the association to the multi-organ via secretions, and self-reconstruction through powerful regenerative ability. In addition, they are highly plastic in changing their own properties and structures according to the environment in which they are placed, which can have positive or negative effects on individual health and disease. We introduce the diverse properties of these skeletal muscles.