Muscle cell

Muscle Cell

A Muscle Cell, also known as a Myocyte, is a type of cell located in muscle tissue.

Pronunciation

• Muscle Cell: /ˈmʌsəl sɛl/
• Myocyte: /ˈmaɪəˌsaɪt/

Etymology

The term "Muscle Cell" is derived from the Latin word 'musculus' meaning 'little mouse' and the Greek word 'kytos' meaning 'hollow vessel'. The term "Myocyte" is derived from the Greek words 'myo' meaning 'muscle' and 'kytos' meaning 'hollow vessel'.

Structure

Muscle cells are elongated and are adapted to contract in response to stimuli. They contain Actin and Myosin proteins which are responsible for muscle contraction.

Types

There are three types of muscle cells: Skeletal Muscle Cells, Cardiac Muscle Cells, and Smooth Muscle Cells. Each type has a unique structure and function.

Skeletal Muscle Cells

Skeletal muscle cells are long, cylindrical cells that contain multiple nuclei. They are responsible for voluntary movements.

Cardiac Muscle Cells

Cardiac muscle cells are shorter than skeletal muscle cells and usually contain only one or two nuclei. They are responsible for the contraction of the heart.

Smooth Muscle Cells

Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and contain a single nucleus. They are responsible for involuntary movements such as the contraction of blood vessels and the digestive tract.

Function

The primary function of muscle cells is to produce force and cause motion. They do this by contracting and relaxing in response to signals from the nervous system.

Related Terms

• Actin
• Myosin
• Skeletal Muscle Cells
• Cardiac Muscle Cells
• Smooth Muscle Cells

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Muscle cell
• Wikipedia's article - Muscle cell

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