Muscle Unit Review

Front

What is a muscle cramp?

Back

A muscle cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. It often occurs due to extracellular fluid imbalances.

Front

What does summation refer to in muscle physiology?

Back

Summation is the process by which multiple stimuli can combine to produce a stronger muscle contraction.

Front

What are myosin binding sites?

Back

Myosin binding sites are locations on the actin filament that become exposed when calcium ions bind to the actin complex, allowing muscle contraction to occur.

Front

What is the appearance of striated muscle?

Back

Striated muscle has a banded appearance due to the overlapping and non-overlapping filaments within the muscle fibers.

Front

What is the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

Back

The sarcoplasmic reticulum is a specialized type of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells that stores calcium ions.

Front

What role does calcium play in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions are essential for muscle contraction as they bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that exposes myosin binding sites on actin.

Front

What is the function of transverse tubules?

Back

Transverse tubules (T-tubules) are extensions of the muscle cell membrane that help transmit action potentials deep into the muscle fiber.

Front

What is ATP debt?

Back

ATP debt refers to the deficit of ATP that occurs when the demand for energy exceeds the supply during intense exercise.

Front

What is muscle fatigue?

Back

Muscle fatigue is the decline in ability of a muscle to generate force, often due to prolonged activity or depletion of energy sources.

Front

What is the difference between skeletal muscle and smooth muscle?

Back

Skeletal muscle is striated and under voluntary control, while smooth muscle is non-striated and involuntary.