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

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

Anatomy & Physiology

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

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Multiple Choice

During which step of muscle contraction is the sarcomere at its greatest length?

Resting state before contraction begins (Step 1)

During the power stroke (Step 3)

After contraction, during relaxation (Step 4)

After cross-bridge formation (Step 2)

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of the sarcomere: The sarcomere is the functional unit of muscle contraction, composed of actin (thin filaments) and myosin (thick filaments). Its length changes depending on the state of muscle contraction or relaxation.

Review the stages of muscle contraction: Muscle contraction involves several steps, including the resting state, cross-bridge formation, the power stroke, and relaxation. Each step affects the sarcomere's length differently.

Analyze the resting state (Step 1): In the resting state, the sarcomere is at its greatest length because the muscle is not actively contracting, and the filaments are not overlapping significantly.

Examine the power stroke (Step 3): During the power stroke, myosin heads pull actin filaments closer, shortening the sarcomere as the muscle contracts.

Consider relaxation after contraction (Step 4): After contraction, during relaxation, the sarcomere lengthens again but does not return to its maximum length unless the muscle is fully relaxed and at rest.