Skeletal Muscle Structure

Myofibrils and Muscle Structure

• Light bands in myofibrils are called I bands, primarily composed of thin filaments (actin).
• The membrane surrounding skeletal muscles is known as the epimysium, which protects and supports the muscle tissue.

Muscle Fiber Anatomy

• The structural unit of the muscle fiber is the sarcomere, which is the basic contractile unit consisting of overlapping thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments.

Muscle Attachment

• Muscle fibers attach to bones via structures called tendons, which are strong connective tissues that transmit the force of muscle contraction to the skeleton.

Muscle Fiber Cytoplasm

• The cytoplasm of a muscle fiber is referred to as sarcoplasm, containing essential organelles, enzymes, and energy sources for muscle contractions.

Test your knowledge of the functional and anatomical structure of skeletal muscles, including the arrangement of muscle fibers and membranes.