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

Previous problemNext problem

3:35 minutes

Problem 12

Textbook Question

Myoglobin has a special function in muscle tissue. It:
a. Breaks down glycogen
b. Is a contractile protein
c. Holds a reserve supply of oxygen in the muscle

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of myoglobin in muscle tissue: Myoglobin is a protein found in muscle cells that binds oxygen. It is structurally similar to hemoglobin but functions specifically within muscle tissue.

Clarify the function of myoglobin: Myoglobin's primary role is to store oxygen and release it during periods of high metabolic demand, such as during muscle contraction.

Eliminate incorrect options: Option (a) 'breaks down glycogen' is incorrect because glycogen breakdown is primarily facilitated by enzymes like glycogen phosphorylase, not myoglobin. Option (b) 'is a contractile protein' is incorrect because contractile proteins include actin and myosin, not myoglobin.

Focus on the correct option: Myoglobin holds a reserve supply of oxygen in the muscle, ensuring that muscle cells have access to oxygen even when blood oxygen levels are low.

Conclude the reasoning: Based on its function, the correct answer is (c) 'holds a reserve supply of oxygen in the muscle,' as this aligns with myoglobin's physiological role in muscle tissue.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Myoglobin Function

Myoglobin is a protein found in muscle tissue that plays a crucial role in oxygen storage and transport. It binds oxygen molecules, allowing muscles to have a readily available supply during periods of high activity, which is essential for aerobic respiration and energy production.

Oxygen Reserve

The oxygen reserve refers to the stored oxygen that myoglobin provides to muscle cells. This reserve is vital during intense physical activity when the demand for oxygen exceeds the supply from the bloodstream, enabling sustained muscle contraction and performance.

Muscle Physiology

Muscle physiology encompasses the study of how muscles function, including the mechanisms of contraction and energy utilization. Understanding muscle physiology is essential for comprehending how myoglobin contributes to muscle performance and endurance during exercise.