Actin / Myosin Flashcards
actin
A globular protein that forms actin filaments; found in thin filaments.
cardiac muscle
Striated muscle found in the heart.
creatine phosphate
A small organic molecule that can transfer a phosphate group to ATP.
excitation-contraction coupling
Contraction of a muscle fiber that results from motor neuron stimulation.
glycogen
A glucose polymer found in animals.
motor neuron
Neuron that regulates muscle contraction.
muscle fiber
An individual muscle cell.
myofibril
A bundle of myofilaments inside a striated muscle cell.
myofilament
Filaments involved in muscle contraction; includes thick and thin filaments.
myosin
The motor protein in the thick filament that binds actin and causes muscle contraction.
neuromuscular junction
Synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.
sarcomere
Repeating unit in myofibrils that gives skeletal muscle a striated appearance.
sarcoplasm
Cytoplasm of a muscle cell.
sarcoplasmic reticulum
A modified endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells that stores calcium ions.
skeletal muscle
Muscle attached to bones that is responsible for voluntary movement.
