Contrast the length-tension relationship for cardiac muscle to that which is found in skeletal muscle.  In other words, for each type of muscle, what is the optimal length?  How is such an arrangement adaptive to cardiac muscle?

What will be an ideal response?


Unlike skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle does not produce the greatest force at rest length, but at a somewhat longer length.  In both cases the optimal length depends on actin-myosin overlap.  But when the heart is especially engorged with blood, the ventricles can contract more forcibly to expel the added volume.

Anatomy & Physiology

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A specific segment of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve is a ________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following does not contain red marrow?

A.  Ribs B.  Sternum C.  Flat bones of the skull D.  Vertebrae E.  Long bones of digits

Anatomy & Physiology

The two dark lines in the trilaminar appearance of the plasma membrane are believed to be caused by the preferential staining of the hydrophilic polar regions of the membrane constituents

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Anatomy & Physiology

A patient who has suffered a spinal injury in an automobile accident is determined to have an interruption of spinal transmission at the sixth cervical vertebra

Which of the following gastrointestinal functions would be expected to be abnormal in such a patient? A. gastric acid secretion B. lipid digestion/absorption C. defecation D. peristalsis E. swallowing F. none of the above

Anatomy & Physiology