-
What is the T tubule?
Questioner:Carter Smith 2018-04-06 09:55:29
The most authoritative answer in 2024
-
-
Lincoln Wilson——Works at the World Wildlife Fund, Lives in Gland, Switzerland.
As a subject matter expert in cellular biology, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the T tubule.
Transverse tubules (T-tubules) are specialized structures found in the muscle cells of skeletal and cardiac muscles. They are essentially extensions of the cell membrane, known as the sarcolemma, which extend deep into the muscle fiber. The primary function of T-tubules is to facilitate rapid and uniform propagation of the electrical signal (action potential) from the cell surface to the interior of the muscle cell. This is crucial for the coordination of muscle contractions.
The T-tubules are strategically located at regular intervals, ensuring that the action potential can reach the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), which is a network of membranous structures that store and release calcium ions. The release of calcium ions from the SR is a key step in initiating muscle contraction.
In summary, T-tubules are vital for the efficient and effective functioning of muscle cells, ensuring that the contraction process is synchronized and rapid.
read more >>
-
-
Amelia Martin——Studied at the University of Cape Town, Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
Transverse tubules (
T-
tubules) are extensions of the cell membrane that penetrate into the centre of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.
read more >>
QuesHub is a place where questions meet answers, it is more authentic than Quora, but you still need to discern the answers provided by the respondents.