Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart2h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

Anatomy & Physiology

9. Muscle Tissue

Steps of Muscle Contraction

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

The functional unit of contraction in a skeletal muscle fiber is the __________.

sarcolemma

sarcomere

myofilament

sarcoplasmic reticulum

myofibril

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of a skeletal muscle fiber: A skeletal muscle fiber is composed of several components, including the sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic reticulum, myofibrils, and myofilaments.

Identify the role of each component: The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of a muscle cell, the sarcoplasmic reticulum stores calcium ions, myofibrils are bundles of myofilaments, and myofilaments are the actin and myosin proteins responsible for contraction.

Define the term 'functional unit of contraction': In the context of muscle physiology, the functional unit of contraction refers to the smallest unit within a muscle fiber that can contract independently.

Recognize that the sarcomere is the functional unit: A sarcomere is the segment of a myofibril between two Z lines and is the smallest unit capable of contracting. It contains the organized arrangement of actin and myosin filaments.

Conclude that the sarcomere is the correct answer: Given the definition and structure, the sarcomere is the functional unit of contraction in a skeletal muscle fiber, as it is the smallest structure that can perform contraction.