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

Structure of a Skeletal Muscle

Anatomy & Physiology

9. Muscle Tissue

Structure of a Skeletal Muscle

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

What causes the striated appearance of skeletal muscle fibers?

The arrangement of actin and myosin filaments

The presence of multiple nuclei

The high concentration of mitochondria

The uniform distribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that skeletal muscle fibers have a distinct striated appearance, which is a key characteristic distinguishing them from other muscle types.

Recognize that the striated appearance is due to the microscopic structure of the muscle fibers, specifically the arrangement of proteins within the muscle cells.

Learn that the primary proteins involved are actin and myosin, which are organized into repeating units called sarcomeres. These sarcomeres are the functional units of muscle contraction.

Visualize that within each sarcomere, actin (thin filaments) and myosin (thick filaments) are arranged in a specific pattern. This pattern creates alternating light and dark bands, known as I bands and A bands, respectively.

Conclude that the striated appearance of skeletal muscle fibers is primarily due to the regular, repeating arrangement of actin and myosin filaments within the sarcomeres, rather than the presence of multiple nuclei, mitochondria, or sarcoplasmic reticulum.