Muscle
Muscle tissue composed of cells that optimize the universal cell
property of contractility. Actin microfilaments and associated proteins generate the forces necessary for the
muscle contraction, which drives movement within organ systems, of blood, and of the body as a whole.
muscle cells are of mesodermal origin and differentiate by a gradual process of cell lengthening with abundant
synthesis of the myofibrillar proteins actin and myosin.
Composed of elongated muscle cells and intercellular substance in the form of loose areolar connective tissue.
The sarcoplasm of muscle cells are myofibrils. Myofibrils are fine thread like structures, which are responsible
for muscle contraction and may appear striated or not.
Three main types of muscle tissue
● Skeletal muscle contains bundles of very long, multi-nucleated cells with cross-striations. Their
contraction is quick, forceful, and usually under voluntary control. Responsible for the movement of the
skeleton. Arrangement of the contractile proteins give rise to the appearance of cross-striations.
, ● Cardiac muscle also has cross-striations and is com- posed of elongated, often branched cells bound
to one another at structures called intercalated discs, which are unique to cardiac muscle. Contraction
is involuntary, vigorous, and rhythmic. Provided with cross-straitions
● Smooth muscle consists of collections of fusiform cells, which lack striations and have slow,
involuntary contractions. Forms the muscle components such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal
tract, the uterus and the urinary bladder. Involuntary (under inherent autonomic and hormonal control)
Muscle tissue composed of cells that optimize the universal cell
property of contractility. Actin microfilaments and associated proteins generate the forces necessary for the
muscle contraction, which drives movement within organ systems, of blood, and of the body as a whole.
muscle cells are of mesodermal origin and differentiate by a gradual process of cell lengthening with abundant
synthesis of the myofibrillar proteins actin and myosin.
Composed of elongated muscle cells and intercellular substance in the form of loose areolar connective tissue.
The sarcoplasm of muscle cells are myofibrils. Myofibrils are fine thread like structures, which are responsible
for muscle contraction and may appear striated or not.
Three main types of muscle tissue
● Skeletal muscle contains bundles of very long, multi-nucleated cells with cross-striations. Their
contraction is quick, forceful, and usually under voluntary control. Responsible for the movement of the
skeleton. Arrangement of the contractile proteins give rise to the appearance of cross-striations.
, ● Cardiac muscle also has cross-striations and is com- posed of elongated, often branched cells bound
to one another at structures called intercalated discs, which are unique to cardiac muscle. Contraction
is involuntary, vigorous, and rhythmic. Provided with cross-straitions
● Smooth muscle consists of collections of fusiform cells, which lack striations and have slow,
involuntary contractions. Forms the muscle components such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal
tract, the uterus and the urinary bladder. Involuntary (under inherent autonomic and hormonal control)
