Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 39m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 8m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 28m
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 Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System3h 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 refractory period in which the muscle will NOT contract if stimulated occurs during __________ of the muscle cell.

polarization

hyperpolarization

repolarization

depolarization

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of the refractory period: The refractory period is a phase during which a muscle cell is unable to respond to further stimulation. This is crucial for ensuring that muscle contractions are properly timed and coordinated.

Identify the phases of muscle cell action potential: Muscle cells undergo several phases during an action potential, including depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization. Each phase has distinct characteristics and effects on the cell's ability to contract.

Depolarization phase: During depolarization, the muscle cell membrane potential becomes less negative, leading to the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. This phase is typically associated with the initiation of muscle contraction.

Repolarization phase: In repolarization, the cell membrane potential returns to its resting state, primarily due to the efflux of potassium ions. This phase is crucial for resetting the cell's electrical state and is associated with the refractory period, where the muscle cell cannot contract.

Hyperpolarization phase: Hyperpolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential. This phase follows repolarization and further ensures that the muscle cell is temporarily unresponsive to stimulation.