Terminal cisternae

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Terminal cisternae

Terminal cisternae (pronunciation: ter-mi-nal sis-ter-nae) is a term used in the field of Anatomy and Physiology to describe a specific structure found within muscle cells.

Etymology

The term "terminal cisternae" is derived from Latin. "Terminal" means "end" or "boundary", and "cisternae" refers to "reservoir" or "container". This term is used to describe the enlarged areas of the sarcoplasmic reticulum adjacent to the T tubules.

Definition

Terminal cisternae are specialized regions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is a form of endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells. They are located at the junctions of the A and I bands in striated muscle and serve as reservoirs for calcium ions (Ca2+), which are necessary for muscle contraction.

Function

The primary function of the terminal cisternae is to act as storage sites for calcium ions. During muscle contraction, these ions are released from the cisternae into the sarcoplasm, the cytoplasm of muscle cells. This release triggers the interaction between actin and myosin, the two proteins responsible for muscle contraction.

Related Terms

  • Sarcoplasmic reticulum: A specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells.
  • T tubules: Extensions of the cell membrane that penetrate into the centre of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.
  • Striated muscle: A type of muscle tissue that appears striped or striated under the microscope.
  • Actin: A protein that forms (together with myosin) the contractile filaments of muscle cells.
  • Myosin: A type of motor protein that works together with actin to produce muscle contraction.

External links

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