Histology of Fish Muscles

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the histology of fish muscles.

Myomeres

Segmental muscle arrangements in fish that help in movement.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscles found in the walls of hollow organs.

Cardiac muscle

Striated muscle that makes up the heart and is responsible for pumping blood.

Skeletal muscle

Striated muscle attached to bones, involved in voluntary movements.

Red muscles

Muscle fibers that are rich in myoglobin and suited for endurance activities.

White muscles

Thicker muscle fibers with less myoglobin, suited for quick bursts of movement.

Pink muscles

Intermediate muscles with characteristics of both red and white muscles.

Sarcoplasm

The cytoplasm of a muscle fiber, playing a role in contraction.

Myofibrils

Long strands within muscle cells that contain contractile proteins.

Intercalated discs

Specialized structures in cardiac muscle cells that promote synchronized contraction.

Epaxial muscles

Dorsal muscles of fish located above the horizontal septum.

Hypaxial muscles

Ventral muscles of fish located below the horizontal septum.

Muscle fibers

Cells specialized for contractility within the muscular system.

Myosepta

Connective tissue layers that separate myomeres in fish muscles.

Pathological changes

Deformities or abnormalities in muscle tissues, similar to those observed in higher vertebrates.