Isotropic bands
Isotropic Bands
Isotropic bands (pronunciation: /aɪˌsoʊˈtrɒpɪk bændz/) are a term used in the field of histology and muscle physiology to describe the lighter regions in a striated muscle fiber. These bands are also known as I-bands and are part of the sarcomere, the basic unit of muscle tissue.
Etymology
The term "isotropic bands" is derived from the Greek words "isos" meaning equal and "tropos" meaning direction. This refers to the property of these bands to refract light equally in all directions, which gives them their lighter appearance under the microscope.
Description
Isotropic bands are composed of thin actin filaments and are bisected by the Z line, which defines the boundaries of the sarcomere. During muscle contraction, the length of the isotropic bands changes as the actin filaments slide over the thicker myosin filaments, causing the sarcomere to shorten.
Related Terms
- Sarcomere: The basic contractile unit of muscle fiber, consisting of a section of the myofibril between two Z lines.
- Actin: A protein that forms the thin filaments in muscle cells and is involved in cell movement and structure.
- Myosin: A protein that forms the thick filaments in muscle cells and is involved in muscle contraction.
- Z line: A line that bisects the isotropic bands and defines the boundaries of the sarcomere.
- Anisotropic bands: Also known as A-bands, these are the darker regions in a striated muscle fiber that overlap with the isotropic bands.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Isotropic bands
- Wikipedia's article - Isotropic bands
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