Muscle Types and Physiology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts regarding muscle types, their functions, anatomy, metabolism, and associated disorders.

Skeletal Muscle

Striated, long cylindrical fibers under voluntary control, responsible for body movement and posture.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated, branched cells with intercalated discs, operates involuntarily to pump blood continuously.

Smooth Muscle

Non-striated, spindle shaped cells that contract involuntarily to move substances in organs.

Epimysium

Connective tissue that surrounds the entire muscle.

Perimysium

Connective tissue that surrounds fascicles within a muscle.

Endomysium

Connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers.

Myosin

Motor protein responsible for muscle contraction by binding to actin.

Actin

Protein that provides a binding site for myosin during muscle contraction.

Tropomyosin

Protein that regulates the binding of myosin to actin.

Troponin

Protein that binds calcium and regulates muscle contraction.

Creatine Phosphate

Quick ATP source for short activities in muscles.

Anaerobic Glycolysis

ATP production process that does not require oxygen and produces lactic acid.

Aerobic Respiration

Oxygen-requiring process that produces the most ATP and supports long-duration activities.

Motor Unit

A single motor neuron and all muscle fibers it innervates.

Isotonic Contraction

Muscle contraction where muscle changes length.

Isometric Contraction

Muscle contraction where muscle length remains the same.

Slow Oxidative Fibers

Muscle fibers with high endurance, many mitochondria, suited for posture.

Fast Glycolytic Fibers

Muscle fibers with high power but fatigue quickly.

Muscular Dystrophy

A disorder that leads to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disorder that leads to weakness in skeletal muscles.

Muscle Tone

Small constant tension from partial activation of muscles.

Aging Effects on Muscles

Loss of muscle mass, decreased reflexes, and reduced strength with age.