physiology

• What are the three types of muscle tissue?

  Cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle
• What distinguishes smooth muscle from cardiac and skeletal muscle?

  Smooth muscle is non-striated and lacks the characteristic markings of other muscle types
• What is the structure of smooth muscle cells?

  • Spindle-shaped cells with central nuclei
  • Arranged closely to form sheets
  • No striations (not arranged in sarcomere pattern)
• Where is smooth muscle located in the body?

  In walls of hollow organs, blood vessels, eye, glands, uterus, and skin
• What is the primary function of smooth muscle?

  To propel substances or objects along internal passageways
• How is smooth muscle controlled?

  By involuntary control of the Autonomic Nervous System and the endocrine system
• What type of contraction does smooth muscle exhibit?

  Slow, wave-like contraction

  
• What are gap junctions in visceral smooth muscle?

  They allow for communication between adjacent smooth muscle cells

  
• What are dense bodies in smooth muscle cells?

  They are analogous to Z-discs in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers

  
• What is the role of caveolae in smooth muscle cells?

  Caveolae may act as T-tubules helping to modulate smooth muscle cell contraction