Muscle Anatomy & Function

Front

What is the function of the nucleus in muscle cells?

Back

The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material and is responsible for regulating gene expression and cell function.

Front

What occurs to the Z lines during muscle contraction?

Back

The Z lines get closer together as the sarcomere shortens.

Front

What is the role of actin in muscle contraction?

Back

Actin is a protein that forms thin filaments in muscle fibers and interacts with myosin to facilitate contraction.

Front

Define a sarcomere.

Back

A sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle tissue, defined as the segment between two Z discs.

Front

What is the primary function of myosin in muscle contraction?

Back

Myosin is a motor protein that interacts with actin to produce muscle contraction through the sliding filament mechanism.

Front

What are striations in muscle tissue?

Back

Striations are the alternating light and dark bands seen in skeletal and cardiac muscle, resulting from the arrangement of actin and myosin.

Front

What is the difference between skeletal and cardiac muscle?

Back

Skeletal muscle is voluntary and striated, while cardiac muscle is involuntary and also striated but has intercalated discs.

Front

What is the role of mitochondria in muscle cells?

Back

Mitochondria produce ATP through aerobic respiration, providing energy for muscle contractions.

Front

What are intercalated discs?

Back

Intercalated discs are specialized connections between cardiac muscle cells that facilitate synchronized contraction.

Front

What is the sliding filament theory?

Back

The sliding filament theory explains how muscle contraction occurs through the sliding of actin and myosin filaments past each other.