Muscle Contraction Review

Front

What is the role of ATP in muscle contraction?

Back

ATP is necessary for myosin to release actin, allowing muscle contraction to continue.

Front

What is the synaptic cleft?

Back

The synaptic cleft is the gap between a neuron and a muscle cell where neurotransmitters are released.

Front

What happens to the Z lines during muscle contraction?

Back

The distance between Z lines decreases during muscle contraction.

Front

What is the function of acetylcholinesterase?

Back

Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine (Ach) in the synaptic cleft, stopping muscle contraction.

Front

What is the state of a sarcomere during contraction?

Back

The sarcomere is in a contracted state during muscle contraction.

Front

What ion is essential for muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions (Ca²+) are essential for muscle contraction as they trigger the interaction between actin and myosin.

Front

What is the role of myosin heads in muscle contraction?

Back

Myosin heads attach to actin filaments to pull them, causing muscle contraction.

Front

What occurs when ATP is depleted in muscle cells?

Back

Muscles cannot contract properly, leading to muscle fatigue and cramping.

Front

What is the function of the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle cell that helps transmit electrical signals for contraction.

Front

What happens to muscle fibers when they relax?

Back

When muscles relax, the actin and myosin filaments slide apart, increasing the distance between Z lines.