Muscle Physiology

Learn the comprehensive mechanisms of muscle physiology through this 5 hour 37 minute course covering the structural and functional aspects of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle systems. Explore the molecular components of muscle contraction including actin and myosin filaments, the organization of sarcomeres with I bands, A bands, H zones, and M lines. Master the regulatory proteins troponin and tropomyosin, understand the role of T-tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum in calcium handling, and examine neuromuscular junction function. Dive into excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms and analyze different types of muscle contractions including slow-twitch versus fast-twitch fibers, isometric versus isotonic contractions. Study fundamental physiological principles such as the Frank-Starling law, length-tension relationships, and load-velocity relationships that govern muscle performance. Investigate muscle metabolism pathways including creatine phosphokinase systems, glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport chain processes. Examine clinical applications through electromyography basics, muscle hypertrophy mechanisms, denervation effects, and rigor mortis. Compare and contrast the distinct characteristics of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle types, with special focus on smooth muscle physiology and myosin light chain kinase/phosphatase regulation. Apply knowledge to clinically-oriented scenarios involving nerve and muscle interactions, and review cardiac enzyme biomarkers including cardiac troponins used in clinical diagnostics.