Skeletal Muscle Structure 2023

Front

What is the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

Back

A specialized endoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells that stores calcium ions and releases them during muscle contraction.

Front

What is the epimysium?

Back

A connective tissue layer that surrounds the entire muscle, providing structure and support.

Front

What is a whole muscle?

Back

The complete structure composed of multiple fascicles, which are bundles of muscle fibers.

Front

What is the perimysium?

Back

A connective tissue layer that surrounds each fascicle within a muscle, providing support and separating the fascicles.

Front

What is a fascicle?

Back

A bundle of muscle fibers (muscle cells) grouped together within a muscle.

Front

What is the endomysium?

Back

A thin connective tissue layer that surrounds each individual muscle fiber within a fascicle.

Front

What is a muscle cell?

Back

Also known as a muscle fiber, it is a long, cylindrical cell that contracts to produce movement.

Front

What is a tendon?

Back

A fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone, transmitting the force generated by the muscle.

Front

What is the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and bind to troponin, initiating the contraction process.

Front

What is the structure of a sarcomere?

Back

The basic contractile unit of muscle, composed of actin and myosin filaments arranged in a repeating pattern.