The following changes are found to accompany any muscular contraction: 1. Mechanical Changes 2. Thermal Changes 3. Electrical Changes. 1. Mechanical Changes: During, contraction, the muscle fibre shortens in length, increases in thickness, but the total volume remains same (or slightly increases). The muscular contraction may be isometric when the length of the muscle fibres remains constant but the tension [...]
In this article we will discuss about the characteristics of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles of human body. Characteristics of Skeletal Muscle: Histology: 1. Size and Shape: Cylindrical; 1-40 mm long, 10 to 100 μ in diameter. 2. Striations: Transverse, longitudinal. 3. Sarcolemma: Present and complete. 4. Nucleus: Multiple, just under the Sarcolemma. 5. Sarcotubular System: Present, T-systems are at [...]
In this article we will discuss about the properties and factors affecting the activity of smooth muscles in human body. Properties of Smooth Muscles: Broadly speaking, properties of the smooth muscle are same as those of the skeletal muscle, with the following differences: i. Excitability and Contractility: Smooth muscle is less excitable. Contraction is slow, and worm-like. All the periods [...]