Muscle Contraction Basics - Sliding Filament Theory
Class Summary - Today we reviewed what a sarcomere was in relation to the muscle cell. We reviewed the parts too. We lectured on the idea behind sliding filament theory including that myosin has heads that create connections called crossbridges that actually pull actin past the myosin. Thin filaments actually have actin (looks like two beaded necklaces twisted together), troponin and tropomyosin. The filaments do not shorten, just the space between the two z-lines hence, shortening the muscle for a 'pull' movement. Students finished the hour with a ws.
Homework - Muscle Contraction Practice Questions WS, Test is scheduled for Wednesday of next week.
Objectives - Students will explain how skeletal muscles are innervated and how they contract. Students will describe how ATP is made available for muscle contraction.