Sarcoplasm is a term used in biology to refer to the cytoplasmic substance of striated muscle cells. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its individual phonemes using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with the "s" sound, followed by the "ahr" sound, which is represented by the letter "a". The "k" sound is then spelled with "c", followed by the "oh" sound represented by the letter "o". Finally, the word ends with the "plasm" sound, which is spelled as it sounds.
Sarcoplasm refers to the cytoplasmic substance found in muscle fibers, specifically striated muscles. It is the viscous and gel-like material that surrounds the myofibrils within the muscle fiber. Sarcoplasm is essential for the normal functioning of muscle cells as it contains various important components and organelles.
Within the sarcoplasm, the primary contractile component of muscle fibers, known as myofibrils, is present. Myofibrils are composed of smaller units called sarcomeres, which consist of two main protein filaments known as actin and myosin. These filaments play a pivotal role in muscle contraction.
Apart from myofibrils, the sarcoplasm also houses other components such as mitochondria, which provide energy for muscular activity, allowing the cell to carry out efficient metabolism and cellular respiration. Sarcoplasm also contains glycogen, which serves as an energy reserve for muscles.
Furthermore, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells, is present in the sarcoplasm. This important organelle stores and releases calcium ions during muscle contraction and relaxation, regulating the myofibrils' activity.
Overall, the sarcoplasm plays a crucial role in muscle cell function and is responsible for maintaining the necessary cellular environment to support muscle contraction, energy production, and efficient metabolism.
1. The undifferentiated protoplasm of a muscle-cell, hyaloplasm. 2. The homogeneous semifluid interstitial substance surrounding the muscle-columns.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sarcoplasm" is derived from two Greek words, "sarx" meaning "flesh" and "plasma" meaning "something formed or molded". These Greek words were combined to form "sarcoplasm", which refers to the cytoplasm of a muscle fiber.