A nerve that normally innervates a predominately type I muscle is anastomosed (connected) to a predominately type II muscle. Which of the following is most likely to increase in the predominately type II muscle after transinnervation surgery?
A)Glycolytic capacity
B)Fiber diameter
C)Mitochondrial content
D)Maximum velocity of contraction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a nerve that normally innervates a predominately type I muscle (slow-twitch, oxidative) is connected to a predominately type II muscle (fast-twitch, glycolytic), the type II muscle adapts to the new innervation by increasing its oxidative capacity. This is reflected by an increase in mitochondrial content, as mitochondria are the site of oxidative phosphorylation, which is the primary energy system used by type I muscle fibers.

A Nerve That Normally Innervates a Predominately Type I Muscle