Introduction To Muscles Flashcards
Describe the connective tissue arrangement in skeletal muscle
Myofibres surrounded by endomysium
Myofibres grouped into fascicles surrounded by perimysium
Fascicles grouped into muscle surrounded by epimysium
What is the specific name for a muscle fibre membrane?
Sarcolemma
Describe a muscle fibre
Multinucleated (peripheral)
Sarcoplasm packed with myofibrils
Varying numbers of mitochondria
What are tendons?
Extensions of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone
How are tendons connected to bone?
Sharpey’s fibres
At rest, what is the general range of length of a sarcomere?
3.6-4.5 microns
Why are muscle fibres long?
Maximise distance of movement
How long is a (mostly) contracted sarcomere?
2microns
Describe the relationship between muscle extension and power of contraction?
Fully extended muscle = little power
Power increases as muscle shortens
As maximal shortening approaches, power decreases
When does the number of muscle fibres stop increasing?
After 24 weeks in utero
How can muscle size increase? (2)
Increase/decrease in diameter of individual fibres by adding new sarcomeres to existing cells (exercise)
During childhood and adolescence, new sarcomeres are added to the ends of fibres (length)
What happens to muscle as you age?
Muscle bulk and strength decrease with age
Describe type I muscle fibres (3)
Respires aerobically (lots of mitochondria)
Weaker contractile force
Endurance
Describe type II muscle fibres (3)
Respire anaerobically
Fatigue quickly
Strong contractile force
Why are tendons slow-healing?
Poor blood supply
What are the three types of tendons?
Cylindrical
Linear
Common
Describe cylindrical tendons
Closely-packed fibres
Produce an elevation/tubercle on bone
Describe linear tendons
Form fleshy attachments
May produce linear ridges (pectoralis major)