Muscle Contraction · Histology

Smooth muscle contraction is 'tonic' and efficient because of the 'latch state.' This state is characterized by:

  1. Dephosphorylated myosin-actin bonds with low ATP use.
  2. Permanent binding of ATP to myosin.
  3. The absence of actin filaments.
  4. The use of troponin-tropomyosin as in skeletal muscle.
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Correct answer: Dephosphorylated myosin-actin bonds with low ATP use.

The latch state allows smooth muscle to maintain high tension for long durations (like in blood vessel walls) without consuming large amounts of ATP. This is unique to smooth muscle physiology.

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