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6.01
Types of muscles, muscle structure, muscle action
Term | Definition |
---|---|
acetylcholine (ACh) | a neurotransmitter that stimulates the contraction of skeletal muscles |
actin | one of 2 contractile proteins in muscle cells |
agonist | a muscle that carries out a given movement |
antagonist | the muscle that opposes the agonist and relaxes when the agonist contracts |
cardiac muscle | involuntary muscle that makes up the heart wall |
fascia | the fibrous sheath of connective tissue that covers a muscle; aka deep fascia |
fascicle | a small bundle of structures |
insertion | the point where a muscle is attached to a moving part of the skeleton in a given movement |
muscle | an organ that produces movement by contracting; also refers to the tissue composing the organ |
myosin | one of 2 contractile proteins in a muscle |
neuromuscular junction | the point of contact (synapse) between a branch of a motor neuron and a muscle cell |
origin | the point where a muscle is attached to a stable part of the skeleton in a given movement |
prime mover | the main muscle involved in a given movement |
skeletal muscle | voluntary muscle that moves the skeleton and maintains posture |
smooth muscle | involuntary muscle that makes up the walls of hollow organs, vessels, and ducts; aka visceral muscle |
synergist | a muscle that assists a prime mover to produce a given movement |
tendon | a fibrous band of connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone |
tonus | a state of steady partial muscle contraction that maintains firmness; aka muscle tone |