The upcoming discussion will update you about the differences between Red Muscle Fibres and White Muscle Fibres in Human Body.
Difference # Red Muscle Fibres:
1. These muscle fibres are dark red which is due to the presence of red haemoprotein called myoglobin. Myoglobin binds and stores oxygen as oxymyogiobin in the red fibres. Oxymyogiobin releases oxygen for utilization during muscle contraction.
2. Mitochondria are more in number.
3. Red muscles have less sarcoplasmic reticulum.
4. They carry out considerable aerobic oxidation without accumulating much lactic acid. Thus red muscle fibres can contract for a longer period without fatigue.
5. These muscle fibres have slow rate of contraction for long periods.
Example: Extensor muscles of the human.
Difference # White Muscle Fibres:
1. These muscle fibres are lighter in colour as they do not have myoglobin.
2. Mitochondria are less in number.
3. White muscles have more sarcoplasmic reticulum.
4. They depend mainly on anaerobic oxidation (glycolysis) for energy production and accumulate lactic acid in considerable amounts during strenuous work and soon get fatigued.
5. These muscle fibres have a fast rate of contraction for short periods.
Example: Eye ball muscles.