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

T, or transverse, tubules in skeletal muscle function to:

Store calcium ions for muscle contraction

Synthesize ATP for muscle energy

Transmit action potentials deep into the muscle fiber

Anchor myofibrils to the sarcolemma

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of skeletal muscle: Skeletal muscle fibers are composed of myofibrils surrounded by a plasma membrane called the sarcolemma. Embedded within the sarcolemma are transverse (T) tubules, which are invaginations of the membrane.

Learn the role of T tubules: T tubules are responsible for transmitting action potentials from the sarcolemma deep into the interior of the muscle fiber. This ensures that the electrical signal reaches all parts of the muscle fiber simultaneously.

Clarify the process of muscle contraction: When an action potential travels along the sarcolemma and into the T tubules, it triggers the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Calcium ions are essential for muscle contraction, as they bind to troponin, allowing actin and myosin filaments to interact.

Differentiate T tubules from other structures: T tubules do not store calcium ions (this is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum) or synthesize ATP (this occurs in mitochondria). They also do not anchor myofibrils to the sarcolemma; this is achieved by specialized proteins like dystrophin.

Conclude the function of T tubules: The primary function of T tubules is to transmit action potentials deep into the muscle fiber, ensuring efficient and synchronized muscle contraction.