MYOFIBRILLA Meaning and
Definition
-
A myofibrilla is a fundamental structural component found within muscle cells, specifically skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. It can be defined as a cylindrical organelle that runs longitudinally along the length of a muscle cell, responsible for generating contractions necessary for muscle function.
The myofibrilla is composed of smaller subunits called myofilaments, which are arranged in an organized pattern throughout the entire length of the muscle cell. These myofilaments consist of two main types: thick filaments made up of a protein called myosin, and thin filaments primarily composed of actin. The myosin filaments are interspersed between the actin filaments, forming a repeating pattern known as the sarcomere.
The sarcomere is the basic functional unit of myofibrils, and it is responsible for the contraction and relaxation of muscle cells. During muscle contraction, the myosin and actin filaments slide past each other, causing the sarcomere to shorten. This interaction allows muscles to generate force and perform various movements.
The myofibrillar structure also includes other essential proteins called troponin and tropomyosin, which regulate the binding of myosin to actin during muscle contraction. Additionally, the myofibrilla contains a complex network of interconnected tubules known as the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which plays a crucial role in the transmission of signals necessary for muscle contraction.
In summary, a myofibrilla is a specialized organelle within muscle cells that consists of a precisely organized arrangement of myofilaments. It is responsible for generating the contractions required for muscle function and is a key component in enabling movement, both voluntary and involuntary, throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for MYOFIBRILLA
- nyofibrilla
- kyofibrilla
- jyofibrilla
- mtofibrilla
- mgofibrilla
- mhofibrilla
- muofibrilla
- m7ofibrilla
- m6ofibrilla
- myifibrilla
- mykfibrilla
- mylfibrilla
- mypfibrilla
- my0fibrilla
- my9fibrilla
- myodibrilla
- myocibrilla
- myovibrilla
- myogibrilla
Etymology of MYOFIBRILLA
The word "myofibrilla" is derived from two roots: "myo" and "fibrilla".
- The root "myo" originates from the Greek word "mys", meaning "muscle". It is commonly used in scientific terminology related to muscles and muscular tissues.
- The term "fibrilla" comes from the Latin word "fibrilla", which means "small fiber" or "filament". It is used to describe the tiny thread-like structures found within muscle fibers.
Combining these two roots, "myo" and "fibrilla", the term "myofibrilla" refers to the small filamentous structures present within muscle cells, responsible for muscle contraction and relaxation.
Similar spelling word for MYOFIBRILLA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
