Answer the following based on your own understanding of the concepts.

Scores will be based

according to the difficulty and structure of ideas being asked with each of the following
questions. Passing score is 150, 200 is considered as perfect. Plagiarized answers will
automatically be counted as 0 relative to the number of point allotted with each items. Good
luck humans.

EASY: (5 POINTS EACH)

1. What are the three major functions of the skeletal muscles?

              The three major functions of the skeletal muscles are: maintaining the temperature
by producing heat, creating movements for the whole body as it is attached to the skeletal
system, and it provides posture that holds and protects the bones.  

2. Name some features of the muscle cell that are not found in other types of cells.
              There are features that were only present in muscle cells. For example, the
extensibility where the muscles could be stretched than their normal length and still be
able to contract. It is also elastic where it has the ability to go back or recoil in its original
resting length after forcing pressure on it. Lastly, excitability or the ability of the muscles to
respond to the stimuli received. 

3. What causes the striations observed in skeletal muscle fibers?

              The alignment of myofibril, repeating protein bands of actin and myosin, causes the
entire cell to be striated. 

4. Why is the triad relationship between T tubules and the SR important?

              A triad is composed of one T-tubule and two terminal cisternae. The relationship
between these two is crucial in order to coordinate the excitation-contraction coupling. EC
coupling is the process of releasing acetylcholine at a Neuromuscular Junction for muscle
contraction.

5. Describe the structure of thin and thick myofilaments, and name the kinds of proteins
that compose them.
              The thick filament is like a bundle of tiny golf clubs and it is consisting of myosin
molecules which can also be called the myosin heads. On the other hand, the thin filaments
resemble two strands of pearls that are twisted together. Actin, troponin, and tropomyosin
is component in thin filaments. 

6. What is a neuromuscular junction (NMJ)? How does it work?

              Motor neurons are needed in order for the muscles to contract. Although skeletal
muscle fiber can’t do that, motor neurons will stimulate them to contract. After that they
will generate action potentials that will travel through skeletal muscle fibers and the axons
will enter muscles, branches, and will send to the muscle fibers. The branches that form the
junctions with the muscle fibers are called the Neuromuscular Junctions.  
7. What is the role of calcium ions (Ca++) in muscle contraction?
              Calcium ions diffuse from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the sarcoplasm. It then
binds to troponin molecules that are attached to actin filaments. This causes a movement
between tropomyosin molecules with the actin molecules which then exposes the active
myosin attachment sites. The exposure of myosin attachment will promote the cross-
bridging between actin and myosin filaments that will stimulate a muscle contraction.

8. Where does the energy stored in ATP come from?

              The stored energy in ATP came from muscle cells phosphocreatine. The energy is
mainly from the breakdown of foods and phosphocreatine.  

9. Contrast the aerobic pathway and anaerobic pathway in muscle fibers.

              The aerobic pathway or aerobic respiration requires oxygen and breaks down
glucose in order to produce ATP, H2O, and carbon dioxide. On the other hand, the
anaerobic pathway or anaerobic respiration breaks down glucose to produce ATP but it
doesn’t need oxygen, unlike in the aerobic pathway. 

10. What is the role of myoglobin in muscle fibers?

              The role of myoglobin in muscle fibers is to receive the oxygen coming from the RBC
with then transport it to the mitochondria. This is used in cellular respiration in order to
produce energy. Myoglobin can also release oxygen even when the blood flow is
interrupted by a sustained contraction.

11. What are the three phases of a twitch contraction? What molecular events occur during
each of these phases?
              The three phases of a twitch contraction are the lag phase, contraction phase, and
relaxation phase. In the lag phase, this is where the application of a stimulus and before the
contractions. The molecular event here is that the action potentials haven’t arrived in the
sarcolemma and they are still traveling along the axon to the Neuromuscular Junction. After
that, in the presynaptic terminal, the acetylcholine must be released and binds to the
Sodium ion channel. Before the next phase, Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is needed.
The contraction phase is from the cross-bridging movement and cycle. In the last phase, the
relaxation phase, the diffused Calcium ions from the attachment sites in troponin and
tropomyosin molecules and is transported back to the sarcoplasmic reticulum.  

12. What is the difference between a twitch contraction and a tetanic contraction?
              The muscle twitch contraction is a single contraction when a muscle fiber responds
to stimuli. It has three phases: lag phase, contraction phase, and relaxation phase. On the
contrary, the tetanus contraction doesn’t have a relaxation because the contraction is
sustained and rapid. 

13. How does the treppe effect relate to the warm-up exercises of athletes?
14. What is tetanus? Is it normal?
              Tetanus is a sustained contraction only to occurs when the frequency of stimulation
is rapid with no relaxation. It is normal and rarely achieved muscular response especially
in normal circumstances. 

15. What is meant by the term muscle tone?

              Muscle Tone is responsible for some parts of the body like keeping the legs and back
straight. It is a constant tension that is produced by the muscles for a long period of time.
Behind this are the motor units in muscles that are responding to stimuli or being
stimulated which causes muscle fibers to contract tetanically with one another  

16. Name four factors that influence the strength of a skeletal muscle contraction.
 The total number of muscle units contracting.
 Stored ATP in the muscle cells.
 Calcium ions.1
 Stimulus.

17. What is meant by the phrase “recruitment of motor units?”

              In the phrase, the word “recruitment” means “stimulated.” If the motor units are
recruited, the muscle fibers are contracted and the muscle will produce a force. In
conclusion, when motor units are recruited, a large force of contraction is made because of
numerous contractions of muscle fibers. 

18. What is the difference between isotonic and isometric contractions? Concentric and
eccentric?
              Predominantly, muscle contractions are a combination of these two types: Isotonic
and Isometric contractions. However, there are still differences between them. Isometric
contractions or also called “equal distance.” This is where the tension in the muscle is
occurring without changing its length and is mainly found in our back muscles. On the
other hand, in the Isotonic contractions or the “equal tension,” there is a continual amount
of tension while decreasing the muscle length. For example, the development of motion in
the arms and fingers. 
              There are also contractions under isotonic these are the Concentric and Eccentric
contractions. In Concentric contractions, the tension in the muscle increases yet the muscle
shortens. The Eccentric contractions are maintained in tension but the opposing resistance
causes the muscles to lengthen. 
 AVERAGE: (7 POINTS EACH)

1. Define the terms sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, and sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane of the muscle fiber and it has T tubules or
tubelike inward folds. This is associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum, an enlarged area
of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Lastly, the sarcoplasm is the cytoplasm of the muscle
fiber that contains numerous bundles of protein filaments that are also known as
myofibrils. 

2. Describe the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

              In a muscle contraction, calcium ions are needed. The function of the sarcoplasmic
reticulum is to store these calcium ions when muscle cells responded to stimuli.  

3. How are acetylcholine, Ca++, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) involved in the
excitation and contraction of skeletal muscle?
              Acetylcholine or ACh is a neurotransmitter that is contained in synaptic vesicles. By
this neurotransmitter, muscle contraction is initiated. The Calcium ions that are released
after the stimulus binds to troponin which causes the tropomyosin molecule to move along
the actin molecules. Adenosine Triphosphate is also essential in muscle contraction. ATP is
stored in myosin heads and when the energy is released, this energy causes the myosin
filaments to move slide past the actin myofilaments. This promotes cross-bridging because
of the exposed myosin attachment sites that will cause muscle contraction.

4. Describe the general structure of ATP and tell how it relates to its function.
              ATP or the Adenosine Triphosphate is composed of an organic molecule. First the
adenosine, a sugar ribose with a base of adenine, plus the three phosphate groups. The
second and third group is essential for all living things as it provides energy in every
chemical reaction in the body. It is known as the energy currency because it can store and
generate energy.

5. How does ATP provide energy for muscle contraction?

              Muscle contraction also requires adenosine triphosphate. The energy held in
myosin heads is released when the energy is released, causing the myosin filaments to slip
past the actin myofilaments. Because of the exposed myosin attachment sites, which induce
muscle contraction, this encourages cross-bridging.

6. Describe the anatomical arrangement of a motor unit.

7. List and describe the different types of skeletal muscle contractions.
 Isometric Contractions – this is where the tensions are increasing yet the muscles are
not changing their length. Mostly it is seen in the back muscles for postures.  Isotonic
Contractions – the tensions are constant and the muscles are decreasing in length. It
is mainly responsible for the movements of the arms and fingers.  
 Concentric Contractions – the muscles shorten as the muscle tension increases.
 Eccentric Contractions – the tension in the muscles is maintained but the resistance
makes the length of the muscle to be longer. 

8. Define the term recruited as it applies to muscles.

              In muscles, the word recruited means motor units is stimulated. When motor units
are stimulated, it increases the number of contracting muscle fibers so the muscle contracts
with more force. When all the motor units are recruited or stimulated, the highest force of
contraction is produced in a muscle. Since the motor units are recruited gradually, the
contractions could be smooth, slow, and sustained.

9. Describe rigor mortis.

              Rigor mortis is the rigidity of the human body several hours after death. This is due
to the hydrolysis of the ATP muscles that disables the attachments of myosin molecules to
the actin filaments. 

10. What are the effects of exercise on skeletal muscles?

              Exercise causes the muscles to fibers to enlarge or hypertrophy. Due to the reasons
for the increase in blood supply, the number of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells, and
number of myofibrils and myofilaments. 

DIFFICULT: (10 POINTS EACH)

1. Explain how skeletal muscles provide movement, heat, and posture. Are all of these
functions unique to muscles? Explain your answer.
These major functions of the muscular system are unique because they are
responsible for muscle contraction. The muscles can provide movements because of the
contraction of the skeletal muscles. The product of the skeletal muscle contraction is heat
which explains the maintenance of the body temperature. Lastly, due to the muscle tone in
skeletal muscles, the muscular system is also responsible for posture.  

2. The characteristic of excitability is shared by what other system? Relate contractility and
extensibility to the concept of agonist and antagonist.

3. What structures are unique to skeletal muscle fibers? Which of the structures are
involved primarily in contractility and which are involved in excitability?
              There are structures that could only be found in skeletal muscle fibers: Myofibrils
and T tubules. The structure involved in muscle contraction is the myofibril that performs
the sliding-filament model. T-tubules are in the excitation of muscles that ensures that the
action potential on the membrane may go through the sarcoplasm to the interior of the cell
and close to the SR.

4. Explain how the structure of myofilaments is related to their function.

              There are two myofilaments: Actin myofilaments and Myosin myofilaments. The
actin filaments which is also known for their thin strands that is why it is also called the
“thin filaments.” The structure of this is like two twisted strands of pearls that serve as an
attachment for the myosin filaments. On the other hand, the thick filaments or the myosin
filaments’ structure is like a bundle of golf clubs that helps to bind in the actin
myofilaments, bend during contractions, and break down ATP.  

5. Explain how the sliding filament theory allows for the shortening of a muscle fiber.
              The muscle contraction process where the actin myofilaments slide past myosin
myofilaments or the Sliding Filament Theory. The sarcomere has actin myofilaments on
each side that move to the H zone, a lighter-staining region, which shortens the sarcomere.
Therefore, shortened sarcomere will also shorten the myofibrils that will cause the muscles
to shorten too. 

6. Compare and contrast the role of Ca++ in excitation, contraction, and relaxation of
skeletal muscle.
              The excitation in the sarcoplasmic reticulum starts when the Calcium ions are
released. When the Calcium ions bind to troponin that is bind in the actin myofilaments, the
movement between troponin and actin molecules will produce. After that, cross-bridging is
promoted because the myosin attachment sites are exposed and myosin filaments will
attach to it and muscle contraction will begin. In the relaxation, the calcium ions will be
transported back to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and troponin and tropomyosin will go back
to their original state. 

7. People who exercise seriously are sometimes told to work a muscle until they “feel the
burn.” In terms of how the muscle is able to release energy, explain what is going on in the
muscle early in the exercise and when the muscle is “burning.”
              As exercise begins, the ATP or energy is being provided by aerobic respiration. If the
exercise became extreme, the body will switch to anaerobic respiration. The burning
feeling was from the byproduct of anaerobic respiration, lactic acid.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS: (12 POINTS EACH)

8. Using fiber types, design a muscle for a marathon runner and a different muscle for a
100-yard–dash sprinter. Explain your choice.

9. Explain the meaning of a “unit of combined cells” as it relates to cardiac muscle. How
does this structural arrangement affect its function?
              Cardiac muscle includes gap junctions called "intercalated disks" and other
branched fibers. This allows the branching in some individual cells to form a continuous
electrically coupled mass called syncytium or the "unit of combined cells."
10. Which of the two smooth muscle types would be most affected by damage to the nerves
that stimulate them?
              There are two types of smooth muscle: single-unit and multiunit smooth muscles.
Autorhythmicity is the spontaneous contraction in the smooth muscle and only the single-
unit smooth muscles are capable of doing it. On the other hand, the multiunit needs
external stimulus to contract. In conclusion, multi-unit smooth muscle would be the most
affected to damage when stimulated.

BONUS QUESTIONS: (10 POINTS EACH)

19. How do slow, separate, autorhythmic contractions of cardiac muscle make it well suited
to its role in pumping blood?

20. What produces the striations in cardiac muscle?

              Cardiac muscles are striated due to the actin and myosin myofilaments that are
organized in the sarcomeres. Although these muscles are striated, they are not as distinct
as the skeletal muscles because the distribution of the myofilaments is not as uniform.  

21. How are myofilaments arranged in a smooth muscle fiber?

              The arrangement of myofilaments in the smooth muscle fiber is not uniform. There
is no distinct striation in the smooth muscle than in skeletal muscle.  

22. What is the difference between single-unit and multi-unit smooth muscle?
              Single-unit smooth muscles are composed of gap junctions that is why it is
electrically connected to one another. Only one cell is essential to be stimulated. While the
multiunit smooth muscles do not possess any gap junctions and are not connected to one
another. Each of the cells in multiunit smooth muscles needs to be stimulated to perform
the continuous contractile activity.