Muscle Physiology, Genetics, and Human Body Systems Overview

What are sliding mechanisms in muscle cells?

Sliding mechanisms in muscle cells refer to the process by which actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to produce muscle contraction.

What causes action potential within a motor neuron?

Action potential in a motor neuron is caused by the rapid influx of sodium ions followed by the efflux of potassium ions, leading to a change in membrane potential.

What is the mechanism that causes electrical impulses within a muscle unit?

Electrical impulses within a muscle unit are generated by the depolarization of the muscle cell membrane, which is triggered by the action potential from the motor neuron.

What are the substructures of a sarcomere?

The substructures of a sarcomere include Z-discs, M-lines, actin (thin) filaments, and myosin (thick) filaments, which work together to facilitate muscle contraction.

How is body heat generated in humans?

Most human body heat is generated through metabolic processes in muscles and organs, primarily during physical activity and digestion.

What are the major human muscle groups?

The major human muscle groups include the upper body (pectorals, deltoids, biceps, triceps), core (abdominals, obliques), and lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes).

What is the order of events leading to muscle contraction?

The order of events includes the arrival of a nerve impulse, release of acetylcholine, generation of action potential in the muscle, calcium ion release, and interaction of actin and myosin filaments.

What is the difference between isotonic and isometric contractions?

Isotonic contractions involve muscle shortening with movement (e.g., lifting weights), while isometric contractions involve muscle tension without movement (e.g., holding a position).

What is the function of the sarcomere?

The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle tissue, responsible for muscle contraction through the sliding filament mechanism.

What are actin and myosin filaments?

Actin filaments are thin protein strands that provide structure and support during contraction, while myosin filaments are thick proteins that pull on actin to create muscle movement.

Why is breathing significant for humans?

Breathing is essential for humans as it provides oxygen for cellular respiration and removes carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism.

How does oxygen-rich blood flow through the heart?

Oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and is pumped into the aorta to supply the body.

What is the function of the upper respiratory system?

The upper respiratory system filters, warms, and humidifies air, and includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx.

What is the function of the lower respiratory system?

The lower respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange and includes the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

How does lung pressure change during inhalation?

During inhalation, lung pressure decreases as the diaphragm contracts and the thoracic cavity expands, allowing air to flow in.

What is the function of intercostal muscles?

Intercostal muscles assist in breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage during inhalation and exhalation.

What is peristalsis?

Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

What are genes?

Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

What are chromosomes?

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information; humans typically have 46 chromosomes.

What is a genome?

A genome is the complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all of its genes.

What is a Punnett Square?

A Punnett Square is a diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two individuals, showing the possible combinations of alleles.

What is the Law of Segregation?

The Law of Segregation states that during the formation of gametes, the two alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete carries only one allele.