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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1:34 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

Define neuromuscular junction, motor unit, tetanus, graded response, aerobic respiration, anaerobic glycolysis, muscle fatigue, and neurotransmitter.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Define 'neuromuscular junction' as the specialized synapse where a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber. It includes the axon terminal of the motor neuron, the synaptic cleft, and the motor end plate of the muscle fiber.

Step 2: Explain 'motor unit' as the combination of a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. It functions as a unit to produce coordinated muscle contractions.

Step 3: Describe 'tetanus' as a sustained muscle contraction resulting from rapid and repeated stimulation, where individual twitches merge into a continuous contraction.

Step 4: Define 'graded response' as the variation in the strength of muscle contraction based on the number of motor units activated and the frequency of stimulation.

Step 5: Provide concise definitions for the remaining terms: 'aerobic respiration' (energy production using oxygen), 'anaerobic glycolysis' (energy production without oxygen, producing lactic acid), 'muscle fatigue' (decline in muscle's ability to generate force due to prolonged activity), and 'neurotransmitter' (chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses).

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Key Concepts

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

Neuromuscular Junction

The neuromuscular junction is the synapse or connection point between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. It is where the motor neuron releases neurotransmitters, specifically acetylcholine, which binds to receptors on the muscle fiber, triggering muscle contraction. This process is essential for voluntary movement and coordination.

Motor Unit

A motor unit consists of a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates. The size of a motor unit can vary, influencing the precision of muscle control; smaller units allow for fine motor skills, while larger units are responsible for powerful contractions. Understanding motor units is crucial for grasping how muscles generate force.

Muscle Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in the ability of a muscle to generate force, often resulting from prolonged activity. It can be caused by various factors, including depletion of energy sources, accumulation of metabolic byproducts, and impaired neuromuscular transmission. Recognizing muscle fatigue is important for understanding exercise performance and recovery.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Areas of the body where you would not expect to find slow fibers include the

(a) Back and calf muscles

(b) Eye and hand

(d) All of these

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Textbook Question

For each portion of a myogram tracing a twitch in a stimulated calf muscle fiber, describe the events that occur within the muscle fiber.

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Textbook Question

Characteristics of isometric contractions include all but:

a. Shortening

b. Increased muscle tension throughout the contraction phase

c. Absence of shortening

d. Used in resistance training

When a suicide victim was found, the coroner was unable to remove the drug vial clutched in his hand. Explain the reasons for this. If the victim had been discovered three days later, would the coroner have had the same difficulty? Explain.

When Eric returned from jogging, he was breathing heavily and sweating profusely, and he complained that his legs ached and felt weak. On the basis of what you have learned about muscle energy metabolism, respond to the following questions:

a. Why is Eric breathing heavily?

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Textbook Question

b. What ATP-harvesting pathway have his working muscles been using that leads to such a breathing pattern?

Smooth muscle has some unique properties, such as low energy usage, and the ability to maintain contraction over long periods. Tie these properties to the function of smooth muscle in the body.

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