MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Once the myosin-binding sites are exposed, and if sufficient ATP is present, myosin binds to actin to begin cross-bridge cycling. Then the sarcomere shortens and the muscle contracts.

Detailed explanation-2: -As discussed later, the motor activity of myosin moves its head groups along the actin filament in the direction of the plus end. This movement slides the actin filaments from both sides of the sarcomere toward the M line, shortening the sarcomere and resulting in muscle contraction.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sliding Filament Model of Contraction. For a muscle cell to contract, the sarcomere must shorten. However, thick and thin filaments-the components of sarcomeres-do not shorten. Instead, they slide by one another, causing the sarcomere to shorten while the filaments remain the same length.