Muscle Fibers and How They Slide
A muscle fiber also has some unique anatomical characteristics. One feature is
its T (for transverse) system. The sarcolemma forms T (transverse) tubules,
which penetrate, or dip down, into the cells. The transverse tubules come into
contact but do not fuse with expanded portions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
The expanded anded portions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum are calcium
storage sites. Calcium fons Tons (Ca2+) are essential for muscle contraction.
Glycogen is the preferred energy source for musele contraction
Role of Troponin and Tropomyosin
Normally, the head of myosin molecules has a strong tendency to get attached
with active site of F actin. However, in relaxed condition, the active site off actin
is covered by the tropomyosin. Therefore, the myosin head cannot combine
with actin molecule. Large number of calcium ions, released from tubules during