Why does a pennate muscle generate more tension than does a parallel muscle of the same size?
A)A pennate muscle generates more tension because pennate muscle fibers lie parallel to the bone.
B)A pennate muscle generates more tension because pennate muscle fibers lie perpendicular to the bone and parallel muscle fibers lie parallel to the bone.
C)A pennate muscle generates more tension because a pennate muscle contains more muscle fibers than a parallel muscle.
D)A pennate muscle generates more tension because a pennate muscle has a flat body and a parallel muscle has a broad body.
E)A pennate muscle generates more tension because a pennate muscle pulls in only one direction and parallel muscles pull in different directions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pennate muscles can generate more tension than parallel muscles of the same size because they contain more muscle fibers. The arrangement of fibers in a pennate muscle allows for a higher density of fibers, which contributes to greater force production.

Why Does a Pennate Muscle Generate More Tension Than Does