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

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1:43 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

Compare skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles in regard to their microscopic anatomy, location and arrangement in body organs, and function in the body.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by describing the microscopic anatomy of each muscle type. Skeletal muscle cells are long, cylindrical, multinucleated, and have striations due to the arrangement of actin and myosin filaments. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped, uninucleated, and lack striations. Cardiac muscle cells are branched, uninucleated or binucleated, and have striations along with intercalated discs that facilitate synchronized contraction.

Step 2: Discuss the location and arrangement of each muscle type in the body. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are organized into bundles surrounded by connective tissue. Smooth muscles are found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, and bladder, arranged in sheets or layers. Cardiac muscles are located exclusively in the heart and are arranged in a network that allows coordinated contractions.

Step 3: Explain the function of skeletal muscles in the body. Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movements, posture maintenance, and heat production through contraction.

Step 4: Describe the function of smooth muscles. Smooth muscles control involuntary movements such as peristalsis in the digestive tract, regulation of blood vessel diameter, and contraction of the bladder during urination.

Step 5: Highlight the function of cardiac muscles. Cardiac muscles are specialized for involuntary rhythmic contractions that pump blood throughout the body, ensuring oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and removal of waste products.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Microscopic Anatomy of Muscle Types

Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles differ significantly in their microscopic structure. Skeletal muscle fibers are long, cylindrical, and multinucleated, with a striated appearance due to organized sarcomeres. Cardiac muscle also appears striated but consists of branched, interconnected cells with a single nucleus. Smooth muscle fibers are non-striated, spindle-shaped, and have a single nucleus, allowing for different functional properties in various organs.

Location and Arrangement in Body Organs

The location and arrangement of these muscle types are crucial for their specific functions. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and facilitate voluntary movements. Cardiac muscle is found exclusively in the heart, where its unique arrangement supports rhythmic contractions. Smooth muscle is located in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines and blood vessels, enabling involuntary movements like peristalsis and vasoconstriction.

Function of Muscle Types

Each muscle type serves distinct functions that are vital for bodily operations. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements and posture, allowing for precise control. Cardiac muscle's function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining circulation. Smooth muscle controls involuntary actions, such as digestion and blood flow regulation, contributing to homeostasis and organ function.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Identify the structures in the following figure.

<IMAGE>

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

d. ___

e. ___

f. ___

g. ___

h. ___

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Textbook Question

Bill broke his leg in a football game, and after six weeks the cast is finally removed. As he steps down from the examination table, he loses his balance and falls. Why?

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Textbook Question

Your ability to lift that heavy couch would be increased by which type of exercise?

a. Aerobic

b. Endurance

c. Resistance

d. Swimming

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Textbook Question

The smooth muscle type found in the walls of digestive and urinary system organs and that exhibits gap junctions and pacemaker cells is:

a. Multi unit

b. Unitary

Why are the connective tissue wrappings of skeletal muscles important? Name these connective tissue coverings, beginning with the finest and ending with the coarsest.

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Multiple Choice

What structure is the functional unit of contraction in a skeletal muscle fiber?

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Multiple Choice

What term is used for the plasma membrane of a muscle fiber?

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Multiple Choice

What are thin filaments in the sarcomere primarily composed of?

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