A skeletal muscle generates the greatest tension when it is __________.
A)greatly stretched before being stimulated
B)partially stretched before being stimulated
C)fully relaxed before being stimulated
D)well-rested and low in creatine phosphate
E)high in lactic acid concentration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A partially stretched muscle has the greatest overlap between actin and myosin filaments, allowing for the greatest number of cross-bridge attachments and, therefore, the greatest tension generation. A greatly stretched muscle is already close to its maximum length, and there is little room for further overlap between filaments, leading to decreased tension. A fully relaxed muscle has no actin-myosin overlap and, therefore, cannot generate tension. The level of creatine phosphate or lactic acid concentration does not directly affect tension generation.

A Skeletal Muscle Generates the Greatest Tension When It Is