Scientists have found that the smallest muscle in the human body is the stapedius muscle located in the inner ear. In this respect reports Live Science.
It is known that the largest muscles in the human body are the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi. The first is responsible for powerful movements of the lower extremities – taking a step or running. It constitutes 12-13% of the total weight of all leg muscles.
The role of the latissimus dorsi muscle is to bring the shoulder into the body and rotate the upper limbs inward. It is approximately 7 inches (18cm) wide and 14 inches (36cm) long.
The stapedius muscle is approximately five millimeters long and less than one millimeter wide. It is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. It plays an important role in hearing ability. The muscle connects to the stapes, one of the small bones in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the auditory nerve. The stapedius muscle controls the movement of the stapes, which helps protect the inner ear from very strong sound waves.
Previous scientists developed “Artificial muscles” powered by alternating current.