Muscle Physiology and Anatomy Review

This set of flashcards covers essential terminology related to muscle anatomy and physiology, based on the lecture notes provided.

Endomysium

The connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers.

Fascicle

A bundle of muscle fibers surrounded by perimysium.

Epimysium

The connective tissue covering the exterior of a muscle.

Perimysium

The connective tissue that surrounds fascicles of muscle fibers.

Isometric Contraction

When muscle tension develops but the load is not moved.

Wave Summation

The situation in which contractions become stronger due to stimulation before complete relaxation.

Tetanus

Continued sustained smooth contraction due to rapid stimulation.

Isotonic Contraction

When muscle tension developed overcomes the load and muscle shortening occurs.

Sarcomere

The distance between two Z discs.

I Band

The region that contains only the actin filaments.

A Band

The region that contains both actin and myosin filaments.

H Zone

The region in the A band where there are no actin filaments.

Calcium Ions

Serves as the actual trigger for muscle contraction.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter released at motor end plates by the axon terminals.

Acetylcholinesterase

Breaks down acetylcholine into its building blocks, rendering it inactive.

Creatine Phosphate

Used to convert ADP to ATP by transfer of a high-energy phosphate group.

Calcium Ion Level

An increase in this level starts the sliding of the thin filaments.

Muscle Tone

The small amount of tautness or tension in a muscle due to weak, involuntary contractions.

Myoglobin

Stores oxygen in muscle cells.

Transverse Tubules (T-tubules)

Action potentials rapidly penetrate deep into the muscle cell via these.

Rigor Mortis

Occurs because no ATP is available to release attached actin and myosin molecules.

Antagonist

A muscle that opposes and reverses the action of another muscle.

Agonist (Prime Mover)

The muscle that is primarily responsible for bringing about a particular movement.

Synergist

A muscle that aids another by promoting the same movement.

Fixator

A muscle that stabilizes the origin of another muscle.

Lactic Acid

Produced when there is insufficient oxygen during vigorous exercise.

Mechanical Advantage

When effort is farther than the load from the fulcrum.

Mechanical Disadvantage

When the load is near the fulcrum and the effort is applied far from the fulcrum.