Sarcoplasmic reticulum

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (pronounced: sar-co-plaz-mic re-tic-u-lum) is a specialized type of Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum found in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells.

Etymology

The term "Sarcoplasmic Reticulum" is derived from the Greek word "sarx" meaning flesh, "plasma" meaning something formed or molded, and "reticulum" which is Latin for a small net.

Function

The primary function of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum is to store calcium ions (Ca2+). It plays a crucial role in muscle contraction by releasing calcium ions in response to an electrical stimulus and then reabsorbing them to end the contraction.

Structure

The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum is a network of tubules, vesicles, and cisternae that surround each myofibril in a muscle cell. It consists of two major parts: the longitudinal tubules and the terminal cisternae. The longitudinal tubules are involved in the rapid transmission of the action potential, while the terminal cisternae store and release calcium ions.

Related Terms

• Calcium Ions
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Cardiac Muscle Cells
• Skeletal Muscle Cells
• Myofibril

See Also

• Muscle Contraction
• Action Potential
• Excitation-Contraction Coupling

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sarcoplasmic reticulum
• Wikipedia's article - Sarcoplasmic reticulum

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