Muscular Tissue Overview

Muscle cells are also called muscle fibers.

The functional unit of a muscle fiber, responsible for muscle contraction.

A specialized membrane found in muscle cells that facilitates signal transmission for contraction.

The cytoplasm of a muscle cell, containing myofibrils and other organelles.

A network of tubules within muscle fiber that stores and releases calcium ions for muscle contraction.

A specialized structure in muscle fibers consisting of two terminal cisternae of the SER flanking a T tubule.

A type of muscle fiber with prominent cross striations, responsible for voluntary movements.

A type of muscle fiber found only in the heart, responsible for involuntary heart contractions.

A type of muscle fiber without any visible cross striations, responsible for involuntary movements in internal organs.

The dark band in a sarcomere, representing the region where both thick and thin filaments overlap.

The light band in a sarcomere, representing the region containing only thin filaments.

A thin, dark line in the middle of the I band, where thin filaments are attached.

The pale area in the middle of the A band, containing only thick filaments.

A dark line in the middle of the H zone, where thick filaments are connected.

A thin, connective tissue sheath that surrounds individual muscle fibers.

A thicker, connective tissue sheath that surrounds a bundle of muscle fibers.

The outermost connective tissue sheath that surrounds the entire muscle.

The protein that makes up thick filaments in muscle fibers, responsible for muscle contraction.

The protein that makes up thin filaments in muscle fibers, responsible for muscle contraction.

A type of muscle fibers rich in myoglobin, mitochondria, and blood capillaries. They are slow-twitch and fatigue resistant.

A type of muscle fiber that is white in color, has fewer mitochondria, and relies on anaerobic metabolism. They are fast-twitch and fatigue quickly.

A specialized junction between two cardiac muscle cells, allowing for rapid transmission of electrical signals during heart contractions.

A red pigment found in muscle fibers that binds oxygen and facilitates oxygen delivery to muscle tissue.

Specialized cells found in skeletal muscle that can differentiate into new muscle fibers to repair damaged muscle tissue.

Muscle fibers that are smaller in diameter and more resistant to fatigue.

Muscle fibers that are larger in diameter and fatigue quickly.

The process of muscle fiber contraction in response to a nerve impulse.

The ability of muscle fibers to return to their original length after contraction.

The ability of muscle fibers to generate tension and produce force.

The ability of muscle fibers to maintain contraction over a sustained period of time.

A state of muscle fiber fatigue caused by prolonged or intense activity.

Hyaline cartilage is a type of cartilage that is found in many parts of the body, including the nose, trachea, and ribs. It is characterized by a glassy appearance and a smooth, flexible surface.

Elastic cartilage is more flexible than hyaline cartilage, and is found in areas requiring flexibility like the ears and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage is the strongest type of cartilage, and is found in areas that experience high stress, such as the intervertebral discs and the menisci of the knee.

Chondrocytes are the cells that produce cartilage, and are found in small spaces within the cartilage matrix called lacunae.

The perichondrium is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage, and helps to provide nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage.

Appositional growth is the process by which new cartilage is added to the surface of existing cartilage.

Interstitial growth is the process by which new cartilage is added from within the cartilage matrix.

Costal cartilage is a type of cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.

Articular cartilage is a type of cartilage that covers the ends of bones in joints, providing a smooth, low-friction surface for movement.

Cell nest is a group of chondrocytes that originate from a single chondroblast. They are found within the lacunae, so they are called isogenous groups.

The matrix of cartilage is made up of a mixture of water, collagen fibers, and proteoglycans, which give cartilage its strength and flexibility.

Hyaline cartilage's matrix is basophilic because of the presence of chondroitin sulfate.

Hyaline cartilage is found in the nose, trachea, ribs, and articular surfaces.

Elastic cartilage is found in the ears, epiglottis, and larynx.

Fibrocartilage is found in the intervertebral discs, menisci of the knee, and pubic symphysis.

The matrix of elastic cartilage contains a high concentration of elastic fibers, giving it the ability to stretch and recoil.

The matrix of fibrocartilage contains a high concentration of collagen fibers, giving it the ability to withstand high tensile forces.

Chondroblasts produce the matrix of cartilage.

Chondrocytes maintain and repair the matrix of cartilage.

Cartilage is avascular, which means it does not have its own blood supply.

Cartilage receives its nutrients and oxygen from the surrounding tissue fluid through diffusion.

The perichondrium is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage and provides nutrients to the cartilage.

Appositional growth involves the addition of new cartilage to the surface of existing cartilage, while interstitial growth involves the expansion of cartilage from within.

The type of cartilage found in the walls of the Eustachian tube is hyaline cartilage.

The type of cartilage found in the walls of the trachea is hyaline cartilage.

The type of cartilage found in the external ear is elastic cartilage, which allows the ear to be flexible and bend without breaking.

The type of cartilage found in the epiglottis is elastic cartilage, which allows the epiglottis to bend and cover the trachea when swallowing.

The type of cartilage found in the temporomandibular joint is fibrocartilage, which helps to cushion and support the joint.