Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2013 2013Moderate

Contraction can be sustained for a long period of time by:

Correct answer: B. Smooth muscles

  • A. Skeletal muscles
  • B. Smooth muscles
  • C. Cardiac muscles
  • D. All of the above

Explanation

Smooth muscles are uniquely adapted to sustain long-term contractions with minimal energy consumption. This ability is crucial for functions such as peristalsis in the digestive tract. In contrast, skeletal muscles, while capable of brief sustained contractions, fatigue more quickly due to higher energy demands. Cardiac muscles, although enduring, are designed for continuous rhythmic contractions rather than prolonged static tension. Therefore, smooth muscles are the most efficient for sustained contractions.

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About Muscle Contraction

Muscle contraction is explained by the sliding filament model, in which myosin heads pull actin filaments within sarcomeres using ATP. The topic covers calcium, troponin, tropomyosin, the neuromuscular junction and relaxation, with attention to how filament length stays almost constant while the sarcomere shortens.

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