Anatomy 4.1/4.2 Introduction to the Muscular System

Front

What is the function of an axon in a neuron?

Back

The axon is a tail-like structure that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body of the neuron.

Front

What is a neuromuscular junction?

Back

The neuromuscular junction is the synapse or connection point between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where nerve impulses are transmitted to initiate muscle contraction.

Front

What connective tissue encloses a fascicle?

Back

Perimysium is the connective tissue that surrounds and encloses a fascicle, which is a bundle of muscle fibers.

Front

What happens to a muscle when it contracts?

Back

When a muscle contracts, it gets shorter, allowing for movement.

Front

What does the endomysium cover?

Back

The endomysium is a connective tissue that covers an individual muscle cell (muscle fiber).

Front

Define sarcomere.

Back

A sarcomere is the basic functional unit of a muscle fiber, consisting of repeating units of actin and myosin filaments that enable muscle contraction.

Front

What is the role of the prime mover in muscle action?

Back

The prime mover, or agonist, is the muscle that is primarily responsible for producing a specific movement.

Front

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles?

Back

Voluntary muscles are under conscious control (e.g., skeletal muscles), while involuntary muscles operate without conscious control (e.g., cardiac and smooth muscles).

Front

What is muscle hypertrophy?

Back

Muscle hypertrophy is the increase in the size of muscle fibers, often resulting from resistance training and exercise.

Front

What is the function of myofibrils in muscle cells?

Back

Myofibrils are long, thread-like structures within muscle cells that contain the contractile proteins actin and myosin, essential for muscle contraction.