Muscle Filament Theory

1Tulip · Nov 1, 2005

Are you talking about the step by step process by which a myofibril contracts and then relaxes? I'm not sure this is "theory" any more, but pretty well established. In any case, there is a really cool explanation of this with animated illustrations at this website.

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/matthews/myosin.html

IMHO, the way to learn this is to write down the steps and memorize them. I know memorizing isn't supposed to be legitimate learning (we're supposed to "understand" everything.) But you have to have the steps in your head before you can get deeper insight.

Are you having problems learning this because you don't understand the terms? (myosin, actin, phosphorylation, tropomyosin, t-tubule, etc?) Draw yourself a cartoon of a myofibril and label the parts. Memorize this first, then break down the steps and memorize the sequence of events.

Good luck on your test.

jenn_rn_nj · Nov 2, 2005

Does he mean the sliding filament theory? Also taking A&P I and we're working on the muscle system, too.

stpauligirl · Nov 2, 2005

Hey everyone. I am knew here, I am also taking a&p I and is studying the muscles. We have a test on it thursday. My teacher is kind of hard. He did tell us 2 questions that are on the test 1 is draw and label a sacromere and the other is to list the 10 steps of the muscle filament theory. He said he is going to check this 2 questions first and if they are not right then we get a 0. I have talked to previous students and this is true. I am having a real hard time trying to get this theroy down. Does anyone have any ideas.
Also he doesn't drop any test grades. He grades on a curve.
Thank you
Cherra

We just started the chapter on muscles and our professor has announced that the test on this will eat us for lunch :bluecry1:

Not many people are left in this class, he is so hard and terrible. :bluecry1:

bckthuzs1 · Nov 2, 2005

Ya it's the silding filament theory of muscle contraction. Right now I just keep writing it over and over again. I didn't know if any one knew of any sayings or that would help remeber it easier. Thanks:uhoh3:

Fun2, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2005

Ya it's the silding filament theory of muscle contraction. Right now I just keep writing it over and over again. I didn't know if any one knew of any sayings or that would help remeber it easier. Thanks:uhoh3:

That's what I had to do....just keep writing it over and over. Also picturing it in your mind, and saying it outloud as you do may help.

It all depends on how you learn best.

Good luck, you can do it! :)