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Multiple Choice
Each myofibril contains many ______, each extending from one Z line to the next.
A
sarcomeres
B
myofilaments
C
fascicles
D
muscle fibers
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a muscle: Muscles are composed of bundles of fascicles, which are further divided into muscle fibers (cells). Each muscle fiber contains myofibrils, which are the contractile units of the muscle.
Recall that myofibrils are made up of repeating units called sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are the functional units of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
Visualize the structure of a sarcomere: It is the region between two Z lines (or Z discs). The Z lines serve as the boundaries of each sarcomere and anchor the thin filaments (actin).
Differentiate between the options: Sarcomeres are the repeating units within myofibrils. Myofilaments (actin and myosin) are the protein filaments within sarcomeres. Fascicles are bundles of muscle fibers, and muscle fibers are the cells themselves.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'sarcomeres,' as they are the repeating units within myofibrils, extending from one Z line to the next.