Muscle vs. Muscular — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
Muscle refers to a body tissue that contracts to produce movement, whereas muscular describes something characterized by or having well-developed muscles.
Difference Between Muscle and Muscular
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Muscle is a specialized tissue found in animals, essential for movement and force generation through contraction. On the other hand, muscular is an adjective used to describe something or someone as having prominent or well-developed muscles.
Muscles are biological structures that can be categorized into skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types, each with specific functions and characteristics. Whereas, the term muscular often pertains primarily to the appearance or strength of skeletal muscles, particularly in humans.
In physiology, muscle refers to the actual tissue capable of contraction, and is a crucial component of the body's mechanism for movement and stability. In contrast, muscular is used to describe the quality or condition of this tissue in terms of strength, development, and appearance.
While the study of muscles covers aspects such as anatomy, function, and disease, the description of muscular focuses on the aesthetic and performance-related attributes of muscles, especially in fitness and sports contexts.
Muscles operate through complex biochemical reactions that enable contraction and movement, a fundamental aspect of physical health and function. On the other hand, a muscular body is often seen as a sign of health and fitness, representing the optimal function and aesthetic of these tissues.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Tissue that contracts to produce movement or maintain posture.
Describing something with well-developed muscles.
Type
Noun (object).
Adjective (descriptor).
Focus
Structure and function.
Appearance and strength.
Usage in Biology
Refers to actual tissue types: skeletal, cardiac, smooth.
Used to describe the condition or development of muscles.
Associated Fields
Physiology, anatomy, medicine.
Fitness, sports, aesthetics.
Compare with Definitions
Muscle
Tissue in the body that can contract, causing movement of parts of the body.
The heart's muscle is critical for pumping blood.
Muscular
Characterized by muscle power.
It was a muscular performance by the athlete.
Muscle
A source of power.
The engine is the muscle of the car.
Muscular
Having well-developed muscles; strong.
The boxer had a very muscular build.
Muscle
A component of the body used for force and motion.
Lifting weights increases muscle mass.
Muscular
Physically strong or robust.
The muscular effort required for climbing is significant.
Muscle
The muscular system, as a collective group of muscles.
Regular exercise strengthens the muscle system.
Muscular
Referring to a powerful force.
The new policy had muscular enforcement.
Muscle
An organ composed of muscle tissue.
He strained a muscle in his leg during the race.
Muscular
Pertaining to or involving muscles.
Muscular activity is vital for health.
Muscle
A tissue composed of fibers capable of contracting to effect bodily movement.
Muscular
Of, relating to, or consisting of muscle
Muscular contraction.
Muscle
A contractile organ consisting of a special bundle of muscle tissue, which moves a particular bone, part, or substance of the body
The heart muscle.
The muscles of the arm.
Muscular
Having well-developed muscles
A muscular build.
Muscle
Muscular strength
Enough muscle to be a high jumper.
Muscular
Having or suggesting great forcefulness, especially at the expense of subtlety
Muscular reasoning that does not bother with the finer points.
Muscular advocacy groups.
Muscle
(Informal) Power or authority
Put some muscle into law enforcement.
Muscular
(relational) Of, relating to, or connected with muscles.
Muscle
To make one's way by or as if by force
Muscled into the conversation.
Muscular
Brawny, thewy, having strength.
Muscle
To move or force with strength
Muscled legislation through Congress.
Muscular
Having large, well-developed muscles.
Muscle
(uncountable) A contractile form of tissue which animals use to effect movement.
Muscle consists largely of actin and myosin filaments.
Muscular
(figurative) Robust, strong.
Muscle
(countable) An organ composed of muscle tissue.
Muscular
Full-bodied
Muscular wine
Muscle
A well-developed physique, in which the muscles are enlarged from exercise.
Muscular
Of or pertaining to a muscle, or to a system of muscles; consisting of, or constituting, a muscle or muscles; as, muscular fiber.
Great muscular strength, accompanied by much awkwardness.
Muscle
Strength, force.
Muscular
Performed by, or dependent on, a muscle or the muscles.
Muscle
Hired strongmen or bodyguards.
Muscular
Well furnished with muscles; having well-developed muscles; brawny; hence, strong; powerful; vigorous; as, a muscular body or arm.
Muscle
To use force to make progress, especially physical force.
He muscled his way through the crowd.
Muscular
Of or relating to or consisting of muscle;
Muscular contraction
Muscle
An organ which, by its contraction, produces motion.
Muscular
Having a robust muscular body-build characterized by predominance of structures (bone and muscle and connective tissue) developed from the embryonic mesodermal layer
Muscle
Muscular strength or development; as, to show one's muscle by lifting a heavy weight.
Muscular
Having or suggesting great physical power or force;
The muscular and passionate Fifth Symphony
Muscle
See Mussel.
Muscular
(of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful;
A hefty athlete
A muscular boxer
Powerful arms
Muscle
An essential part of something; as, budget cuts have gone beyond the fat and are cutting into the muscle of the government.
Muscle
Bodyguards or other persons hired to provide protection or commit violence; as, he doesn't go out without his muscle along.
Muscle
To compel by threat of force; as, they muscled the shopkeeper into paying protection money.
Muscle
To moved by human force; as, to muscle the piano onto the truck.
Muscle
One of the contractile organs of the body
Muscle
Animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
Muscle
A bully employed as a thug or bodyguard;
The druglord had his muscleman to protect him
Muscle
Authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way);
The senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign
Muscle
Muscular strength
Muscle
Make one's way by force;
He muscled his way into the office
Common Curiosities
What is muscle made of?
Muscle tissue consists of fibers that can contract to cause movement or produce force.
How does someone become muscular?
Becoming muscular involves regular exercise, especially strength training, and adequate nutrition to promote muscle growth.
Can all muscles become muscular?
Skeletal muscles can become more developed through exercise, but cardiac and smooth muscles do not become "muscular" in the aesthetic sense.
What are the types of muscle tissue?
There are three main types: skeletal (voluntary movement), cardiac (heart's pumping action), and smooth (involuntary actions like digestion).
Why is muscular definition important in sports?
Muscular definition can enhance performance by improving strength, speed, and endurance, crucial in competitive sports.
What is the difference between muscle and muscular strength?
Muscle refers to the tissue, while muscular strength refers to the power and capacity of the muscle to exert force.
What diseases affect muscles?
Diseases like muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis directly impair muscle function.
What is the difference between muscular endurance and strength?
Muscular endurance refers to the ability to perform repeated contractions over time, whereas strength is the maximum force muscles can exert in a single effort.
What role does muscle play in overall health?
Muscles are crucial for movement, stability, and metabolic health, impacting overall physical well-being.
How is muscular strength tested?
Muscular strength is tested through exercises that measure the maximum force a muscle group can exert, like lifting weights.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
