Chapter 10, Problem 1CYU

What structural similarities are shared by all muscle tissue? What are the unique functional properties of this tissue?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The similarities of all muscle tissues and the functional properties of this tissue. 

Introduction:

Muscle tissues are complex tissues made up of muscle cells that are surrounded by connective tissues. The muscle tissues form various visceral organs in the body such as the heart and lungs. Muscle tissues contribute to half of the body mass. These specialized tissues are majorly present in the animal body. 

Explanation of Solution

The muscle tissues contribute a major amount in the mass of the body. Muscle tissues are of three types, namely cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissues. The similarities of these three muscle tissues are: they all generate heat, maintain the body postures, stabilize the joints, and move the essential substances in the body. The four functional properties of muscle tissues are as follows: 

1. Contractility: A particular type of microfilaments known as myofilaments are responsible for muscle cell shortening. Muscle tissue tends to contract due to the presence of two proteins named actin and myosin. Actin and myosin produce the contractile force in the muscle cell. 

2. Excitability: Muscle cell has the property of excitability. The muscle cells respond to the nerve impulse and hormonal stimulation in order to perform their function.

3. Elasticity: Muscle tissues possess the property of elasticity. Muscle tissues are capable of stretching, recoiling, and retaining their resting length due to the presence of elasticity. 

4. Extensibility: Muscle tissues can extend themselves during several conditions. For example, at the time of digestion/ingestion or when the food bolus is present in the digestive tract, the muscle tissues stretch to accommodate the bolus.