Excitation begins as a motor neuron transmits an action potential to the neuromuscular junction where it gets propagated along the muscle cell. This action potential is an electrical impulse that depolarizes the muscle cell membrane, the sarcolemma, which then releases ions in the sacroplasmic reticulum and transverse tubules. When this happens calcium is released into the sarcomeres that contain actin and myosin myofilaments. The calcium unlocks the binding sites and creates crossbridges with the globular heads on the mysoin fibers. With ATP as the energy source, this crossbridging brings the Z-lines closed together and the muscle fiber contracts.
Terminal cisternae are specialized structures found in skeletal muscle fibers that are part of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. They serve as reservoirs for calcium ions, which are essential for muscle contraction. These cisternae are located adjacent to the T-tubules and play a crucial role in the excitation-contraction coupling process by releasing calcium in response to action potentials. Their arrangement helps ensure rapid and coordinated muscle contraction.
Yes, skeletal muscle has T-tubules, which are invaginations of the cell membrane that allow for the rapid transmission of action potentials deep into the muscle fiber. This helps to coordinate the contraction of muscle fibers by ensuring that all parts of the muscle fiber receive the signal to contract simultaneously.
controlled output of action potentials, progressive recruitment of motor units, control of the rate of attachment/reattachment of actin and myosin heads and the power stroke rate
Skeletal or voluntary muscle is capable of rapid contraction and is responsible for skeletal movement.
The motor neuron responsible for muscle contraction is the alpha motor neuron. These neurons reside in the spinal cord and project to skeletal muscles, where they release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This release initiates muscle contraction by triggering action potentials in muscle fibers, leading to their shortening and generating movement.
yes skeletal muscle stretch by means of contraction.
The structures within the muscle fiber that shorten to cause skeletal muscle contraction are called myofibrils. Myofibrils are composed of repeating units called sarcomeres, which contain thick and thin filaments made of proteins (actin and myosin). When the muscle fiber is stimulated by a nerve impulse, the myosin heads interact with the actin filaments to generate the force required for muscle contraction.
Low calcium levels in the extracellular fluid increase the permeability of neuronal membranes to sodium ions, causing a progressive depolarization, which increases the possibility of action potentials. These action potentials may be spontaneously generated, causing contraction of skeletal muscles (tetany).
C. neuromuscular junctions
The rod-like structures within skeletal muscle fibers are known as myofibrils. These myofibrils are composed of repeating units called sarcomeres, which contain organized arrangements of thin filaments (primarily actin) and thick filaments (primarily myosin). The coordinated contraction of these sarcomeres results in muscle contraction. Myofibrils are essential for the overall function and strength of skeletal muscle tissue.
The contraction of the I band in skeletal muscle helps to shorten the muscle fibers, allowing for movement and muscle contraction. This contributes to the overall function of skeletal muscle by enabling the muscle to generate force and produce movement.
during skeletal muscle contraction ,I band and H zone shortens. Sarcomeres