What is the histology of smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle is made up of cells that contain a single central nucleus. The cells stick together and are connected by specialised cell junctions, called gap junctions. The cells are spindle shaped, and the nucleus is central. The cells do not have a striated appearance.

Which slide shows you smooth muscle fibers?

Slide 41. Smooth muscle – long, slender central nuclei, lying within narrow, fusiform cells that lie parallel to each other in a smooth arrangement. (Muscle cells are often referred to as muscle fibers because of their narrowness and length.)

Which histological characteristic is typical of smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle fibers are elongated spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus. In general, they are much shorter than skeletal muscle cells. The nucleus is located centrally and the sarcoplasm is filled with fibrils.

What are the 4 characteristics of smooth muscle tissue cells?

Four characteristics define smooth muscle tissue cells: they are involuntarily controlled, not striated, not branched, and singly nucleated. The unconscious regions of the brain control visceral muscle through the autonomic and enteric nervous systems.

Why is smooth muscle called smooth muscle?

Because smooth muscle lacks myofibrils and sarcomeres, it does not contain the striations (or striped pattern) that characterizes both skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue. And that’s an important point to remember for exams: smooth muscle is the only muscle tissue type that does not contain striations, and that’s why it’s called “smooth.”

Which is true of smooth muscle?

– Structure of Smooth Muscle. Smooth muscle fibres are elongated and spindle-shaped cells which taper at both ends. – Cross-Bridge Formation and Smooth Muscle Contraction. – Control of Contraction. – Smooth Muscle Organisation. – Function of Smooth Muscle.

What are the properties of smooth muscle tissue?

Smooth muscle properties. Smooth muscle has some unique properties, such as low energy usage, ability to maintain contraction over long periods, and the stress-relaxation response. Tie these properties to the function of smooth muscle in the body.

How does smooth muscle regenerate?

Smooth muscle tissue can regenerate from a type of stem cell called a pericyte, which is found in some small blood vessels. Pericytes allow smooth muscle cells to regenerate and repair much more readily than skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue.