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.