Sliding Filament Theory

Front

What does the sliding filament theory explain?

Back

The sliding filament theory explains that muscle contraction occurs when actin filaments slide over myosin filaments, resulting in the shortening of the muscle.

Front

What are the two main types of filaments involved in muscle contraction?

Back

The two main types of filaments involved in muscle contraction are actin (thin filaments) and myosin (thick filaments).

Front

What initiates skeletal muscle contraction?

Back

Skeletal muscle contraction is initiated when a neuron sends a message to the muscle cell.

Front

Which filament slides inward during muscle contraction?

Back

Actin filaments slide inward during muscle contraction.

Front

What role does calcium play in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium triggers the binding of myosin to actin, facilitating muscle contraction.

Front

What is the role of ATP in muscle contraction?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for the myosin heads to bind to actin and perform the power stroke.

Front

What is the function of tropomyosin in muscle contraction?

Back

Tropomyosin blocks the binding sites on actin filaments, preventing myosin from attaching until calcium binds to troponin.

Front

What is the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle cell, which conducts electrical impulses to trigger contraction.

Front

What is the neuromuscular junction?

Back

The neuromuscular junction is the synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where neurotransmitters are released to initiate contraction.

Front

What happens during the power stroke in muscle contraction?

Back

During the power stroke, the myosin head pivots and pulls the actin filament toward the center of the sarcomere, shortening the muscle.