What system includes the muscles and the nerves supplying them?

The neuromuscular system encompasses both the muscles and the nerves that control them, forming an integrated network that enables movement and motor control. The connection between the nervous system and muscles is crucial for coordinating muscle contractions and responses to stimuli. The nerves transmit signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, instructing them when to contract and relax, which is fundamental for all voluntary and reflex movements.

The term "neuromuscular" specifically highlights this interplay, indicating that any discussion about muscle function must also consider the role of the nervous system in regulating those muscles. This relationship is vital not only for gross motor skills but also for fine motor tasks, demonstrating the complexity and interdependence of muscular and nervous systems in human movement.

In contrast, the central nervous system (CNS) refers specifically to the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises all the nerves outside the CNS. The muscular system solely focuses on muscle tissue itself without explicitly incorporating the nervous elements that govern muscle function. Thus, the neuromuscular system is the most accurate and comprehensive term to describe the integrated system of muscles and their controlling nerves.