[02] Skeletal Muscle Structure Flashcards
What are the main components of skeletal muscle?
- Muscle fibers
- Connective tissue
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
What is a “Muscle Fiber”?
It’s a single muscle cell, also known as a myocyte.
What role does “Connective Tissue” play in skeletal muscle structure?
It helps bind and support muscle fibers, allowing them to function as a coordinated unit.
What role do “Blood Vessels” play in skeletal muscle structure?
They provide oxygen and nutrients to the muscle fibers and remove waste products.
What role do “Nerves” play in skeletal muscle structure?
They carry signals from the brain to the muscle fibers, controlling their contraction and relaxation.
How are “Muscle Fibers” arranged in skeletal muscle?
They are grouped into bundles called fascicles.
What is a “Fascicle”?
It’s a bundle of muscle fibers wrapped in a layer of connective tissue.
What are the three levels of connective tissue in skeletal muscle?
- Epimysium
- Perimysium
- Endomysium
What is the “Epimysium”?
It’s the outermost layer of connective tissue, encasing the entire muscle.
What is the “Perimysium”?
It’s the middle layer of connective tissue, wrapping around each fascicle.
What is the “Endomysium”?
It’s the innermost layer of connective tissue, covering individual muscle fibers.
What is the smallest contractile unit of a muscle fiber?
The sarcomere
What is a “Sarcomere”?
It’s a segment of a muscle fiber that contains the basic machinery for muscle contraction.
What proteins are primarily involved in muscle contraction?
- Actin
- Myosin
What is “Actin”?
It’s a thin protein filament involved in muscle contraction.
