In: Anatomy and Physiology
Which of the following is NOT true of the relaxation of a muscle fiber?
Multiple Choice
calcium release channels open allowing Ca to leave SR
ATP is needed to fuel the calcium ATPase pumping Ca into SR
Ca2+ moves from the sarcoplasm into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)
Action potentials must cease
Answer:
Option A (Calcium release channels open allowing Ca to leave SR)
Explanation: A muscle is said to be contracted upon the stimulation from the nerve impulses. The first and prime most event which takes place and due to which a muscle is said to be contracted is the formation of actin-myosin complex.
The underlying mechanism for the actin-myosin complex formation is the release of the calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The calcium ions get released from the SR utilizing the ATP. Due to this, the other proteins get altered and the active sites on the surface of actin get free due to which the myosin can get bound to it.
The condition gets reversed when the muscle is said to be relaxed. This happens when the nerve signal ceases and the myosin and actin proteins get detached. As a result of which the surface of the protein actin gets bound by other proteins like troponin and tropomyosin. Also, the calcium ions now from the sarcoplasm reenter the sarcoplasmic reticulum using the ATP pump proteins.
Summary: During the relaxed muscle, all of the above mentioned conditions are true except that during this stage, the calcium release channels open allowing the Ca to leave SR.