Skeletal muscle Gross anatomy

Front

What is the definition of a fascicle in skeletal muscle?

Back

A fascicle is a bundle of skeletal muscle fibers (muscle cells) surrounded by perimysium.

Front

What is the function of the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle fiber, responsible for conducting electrical impulses and maintaining the environment of the muscle cell.

Front

What is the role of the endomysium in skeletal muscle?

Back

The endomysium is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds each individual muscle fiber, providing support and insulation.

Front

What is the epimysium?

Back

The epimysium is a sheath of fibrous elastic tissue surrounding a muscle, protecting it and allowing it to function effectively.

Front

What is a myofibril?

Back

A myofibril is a long, thread-like structure found in muscle fibers, composed of repeating units called sarcomeres, which are responsible for muscle contraction.

Front

What is the structure of a sarcomere?

Back

A sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle tissue, defined by the area between two Z lines, containing actin and myosin filaments.

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.

Front

What is the significance of the T-tubules in muscle contraction?

Back

T-tubules are extensions of the sarcolemma that penetrate into the muscle fiber, facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical signals to trigger muscle contraction.

Front

What is the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that allows myosin to bind to actin, leading to muscle contraction.

Front

What is the function of myoglobin in muscle tissue?

Back

Myoglobin is a protein that binds oxygen in muscle cells, providing a reserve supply of oxygen for aerobic respiration during muscle activity.