Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Muscle Tissue

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Multiple Choice

Which type of muscle cells cannot exhibit tetany?

Cardiac muscle cells

All muscle cells

Smooth muscle cells

Skeletal muscle cells

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of tetany: Tetany is a condition where a muscle remains in a sustained contraction without relaxing. This occurs when the muscle is stimulated at a very high frequency, preventing relaxation between stimuli.

Review the types of muscle cells: There are three main types of muscle cells in the human body—skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, and smooth muscle cells. Each type has unique properties and functions.

Analyze the properties of cardiac muscle cells: Cardiac muscle cells are specialized for continuous, rhythmic contractions to pump blood. They have a long refractory period, which is the time during which the cell cannot be re-stimulated. This prevents sustained contractions (tetany) and ensures proper heart function.

Compare with other muscle types: Skeletal muscle cells can exhibit tetany because they have a shorter refractory period, allowing rapid and repeated stimulation. Smooth muscle cells, while capable of sustained contractions, do not exhibit tetany in the same way as skeletal muscles due to their different excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms.

Conclude that cardiac muscle cells cannot exhibit tetany due to their long refractory period, which is a protective mechanism to maintain the rhythmic and coordinated contractions of the heart.