Rigor Mortis and Length-Tension Relationship

Vocabulary flashcards covering the cellular events of rigor mortis and the mechanics of the sarcomere length-tension relationship.

Rigor Mortis

A state of rigidity in muscles that occurs 3-4 hours after death, resulting from calcium leakage out of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the cessation of ATP synthesis.

Calcium

Leaks out of sacroplasmic reticulum

Myosin heads

Binds to actin forming a cross bridge

Cross-Bridge

myosin heads remain bound to actin and cannot detach because ATP synthesis has ceased.

Proteolytic Enzymes (in Rigor Mortis)

Enzymes that digest the muscle cross-bridges after 24 hours, leading to the relaxation of muscle rigidity.

Length-Tension Relationship

The physiological principle that the force of a muscle contraction depends on the length of the sarcomeres in a muscle prior to contraction.