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Multiple Choice
What is the name given to the regularly spaced infoldings of the sarcolemma in muscle fibers?
A
Myofibrils
B
Transverse (T) tubules
C
Motor end plates
D
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a muscle fiber: Muscle fibers are specialized cells that contain various components, including the sarcolemma (cell membrane), myofibrils (contractile units), sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium storage), and transverse (T) tubules (infoldings of the sarcolemma).
Recognize the function of the sarcolemma: The sarcolemma is the plasma membrane of a muscle fiber, and it plays a critical role in transmitting electrical signals during muscle contraction.
Learn about transverse (T) tubules: T tubules are regularly spaced infoldings of the sarcolemma that penetrate into the interior of the muscle fiber. They help propagate action potentials deep into the muscle cell to ensure uniform contraction.
Differentiate T tubules from other structures: Myofibrils are the contractile units of the muscle, the sarcoplasmic reticulum stores calcium ions, and the motor end plate is the region of the sarcolemma involved in neuromuscular junctions. None of these are infoldings of the sarcolemma like T tubules.
Conclude that the correct answer is transverse (T) tubules, as they are the specific structures described in the problem.