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Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology
Amerman- Human Anatomy & Physiology 3e
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 3rd EditionCh. 10 Muscle Tissue and PhysiologyProblem 13
Chapter 10, Problem 13

Which of the following types of muscle fibers have low myosin ATPase activity and are classified as slow-twitch?
a. Type I fibers
b. Type IIa fibers
c. Type IIx fibers
d. Type III fibers

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the classification of muscle fibers: Muscle fibers are categorized into different types based on their contraction speed, metabolic properties, and myosin ATPase activity. The main types are Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIx fibers. Note that Type III fibers are not a recognized category in human muscle physiology.
Recall the characteristics of Type I fibers: These are slow-twitch fibers that have low myosin ATPase activity, meaning they hydrolyze ATP at a slower rate. This contributes to their slower contraction speed. They are highly resistant to fatigue and rely primarily on aerobic metabolism.
Compare with Type II fibers: Type IIa fibers are fast-twitch fibers with intermediate myosin ATPase activity and a mix of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Type IIx fibers are also fast-twitch but have high myosin ATPase activity and rely predominantly on anaerobic metabolism. Both are faster and less fatigue-resistant than Type I fibers.
Eliminate incorrect options: Since Type IIa and Type IIx fibers have higher myosin ATPase activity and faster contraction speeds, they do not fit the description of slow-twitch fibers with low myosin ATPase activity. Type III fibers are not a valid category, so they can also be eliminated.
Conclude that Type I fibers are the correct answer: Based on their low myosin ATPase activity, slow contraction speed, and reliance on aerobic metabolism, Type I fibers are classified as slow-twitch fibers.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Muscle Fiber Types

Muscle fibers are categorized into different types based on their physiological and biochemical properties. The primary types are Type I (slow-twitch) and Type II (fast-twitch), with Type II further divided into IIa and IIx. Type I fibers are known for their endurance capabilities, while Type II fibers are more suited for explosive movements.
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Slow-Twitch Fibers

Slow-twitch fibers, or Type I fibers, are characterized by their high endurance and low fatigue rates. They have a rich supply of blood vessels and mitochondria, allowing for efficient aerobic metabolism. These fibers are primarily used in activities requiring sustained effort, such as long-distance running.
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Myosin ATPase Activity

Myosin ATPase activity refers to the enzyme's ability to hydrolyze ATP, which is crucial for muscle contraction. Fibers with low myosin ATPase activity, like Type I fibers, contract more slowly and are more efficient in using oxygen for energy. In contrast, fast-twitch fibers (Type II) have higher ATPase activity, enabling quicker contractions but less endurance.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

A muscle fiber changes length during isotonic concentric and isotonic eccentric contractions.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Muscles that require a great deal of precise control will have large motor units.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not likely to result from endurance training alone?

a. Increase in oxidative enzymes in the muscle fiber

b. Increased numbers of mitochondria

c. Hypertrophy of the muscle fibers

d. Increase in blood supply to the muscle fibers

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Textbook Question

Resistance-type activities will likely rely on _______ energy sources, whereas endurance activities will probably rely on _____ energy sources.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Stimulation by a motor neuron before a muscle fiber has fully relaxed results in a condition called wave summation.

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Textbook Question

Muscle tone is:

a. The result of voluntary shortening of the muscle.

b. The result of a small amount of involuntary activation of motor units by the nervous system.

c. Abnormal—a person's muscles should be relaxed normally.

d. Present only where there is damage to the nervous system.

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