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 of the following best explains why smooth muscle can maintain a forceful contraction longer than skeletal muscle?

Smooth muscle contracts only in response to voluntary nervous stimulation.

Smooth muscle fibers are larger and contain more mitochondria than skeletal muscle fibers.

Smooth muscle uses less ATP and has slower cross-bridge cycling than skeletal muscle.

Smooth muscle contains sarcomeres arranged in a regular pattern like skeletal muscle.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the key differences between smooth muscle and skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs (e.g., blood vessels, intestines) and is involuntary, while skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is under voluntary control.

Review the energy usage in muscle contraction. Smooth muscle uses less ATP during contraction because it has slower cross-bridge cycling compared to skeletal muscle. This slower cycling reduces the energy demand.

Examine the structural differences. Smooth muscle does not contain sarcomeres arranged in a regular pattern like skeletal muscle. Instead, its actin and myosin filaments are arranged in a more irregular, lattice-like pattern, which contributes to its ability to sustain contractions for longer periods.

Consider the physiological function. Smooth muscle is designed to maintain prolonged contractions, such as in blood vessel tone or peristalsis, without fatigue. Skeletal muscle, on the other hand, is designed for quick, forceful contractions but fatigues more rapidly.

Eliminate incorrect options. Smooth muscle does not contract only in response to voluntary nervous stimulation, nor does it have larger fibers or more mitochondria than skeletal muscle. The correct explanation is that smooth muscle uses less ATP and has slower cross-bridge cycling, allowing it to maintain forceful contractions longer.