The optimal length (Lₒ) of a skeletal muscle cell is
A)the length at which the muscle can generate its maximum tetanic tension.
B)the shortest length the muscle can achieve while attached to bone,because the amount of overlap between thick and thin filaments is maximal then.
C)generally the length attained when the joint it crosses is fully extended.
D)the only length at which any tension can be generated by the muscle cell.
E)the length at which thin filaments from opposite sides of a sarcomere overlap.

Question

The optimal length (Lₒ) of a skeletal muscle cell is
A)the length at which the muscle can generate its maximum tetanic tension.
B)the shortest length the muscle can achieve while attached to bone,because the amount of overlap between thick and thin filaments is maximal then.
C)generally the length attained when the joint it crosses is fully extended.
D)the only length at which any tension can be generated by the muscle cell.
E)the length at which thin filaments from opposite sides of a sarcomere overlap.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The optimal length (Lₒ) of a skeletal muscle cell is the length at which the muscle can generate its maximum tetanic tension. This is because at this length, there is optimal overlap between the thick and thin filaments in the sarcomeres, allowing for maximal cross-bridge formation and force generation. At other lengths, the amount of overlap is suboptimal, leading to decreased force production.

The Optimal Length (Lₒ) of a Skeletal Muscle Cell Is