SARCOMERE Meaning and
Definition
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A sarcomere is a structural unit of a myofibril, which is a thread-like structure present in muscle fibers. It can be described as the basic and functional unit of muscle contraction. Defined by its precise arrangement of proteins and contractile machinery, a sarcomere consists of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins.
The sarcomere is bordered by two Z discs or Z lines, which serve as anchors for the thin actin filaments. The central region of the sarcomere is called the A band and it contains thick myosin filaments overlapping with the thin actin filaments. Within the A band, there is a lighter region called the H zone, which contains only thick myosin filaments. Flanking the A band are the I bands, which consist solely of thin actin filaments.
During muscle contraction, the sarcomeres shorten in length, resulting in an overall contraction of the muscle fiber. This occurs as the thick myosin filaments slide past the thin actin filaments within the sarcomere, causing the Z discs to move closer together. This sliding filament mechanism is responsible for generating the force and movement required for muscle contraction.
Understanding the structure and function of sarcomeres is crucial in various fields, including physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics. Scientists and researchers study sarcomeres to gain insights into muscle mechanics, muscle disorders, and the mechanisms behind muscle diseases.
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The section of muscle-fiber between two adjacent dark lines (Krause's membranes or Dobie's layers).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SARCOMERE
Etymology of SARCOMERE
The word "sarcomere" is derived from the Greek words "sarx" meaning "flesh" and "meros" meaning "part". The term was coined by the German anatomist and physiologist, Otto Friedrich Karl Deiters, in 1864 to describe the contractile units of muscle fibers. The combination of these Greek words describes the functional and structural unit of skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction.
Similar spelling words for SARCOMERE
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