In a smooth muscle cell, where is the single, elongated nucleus typically located?
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Correct answer: At the widest central part of the cell
Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth muscle contains only one nucleus per cell, located centrally at the fiber's widest point. When the cell contracts, the nucleus may take on a 'corkscrew' appearance.
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More Smooth Muscle Histology questions
- Which structure in smooth muscle is functionally analogous to the Z-discs of striated muscle?
- What is the primary protein composition of the 'dense bodies' found in the sarcoplasm and on the sarcolemma?
- Smooth muscle lacks T-tubules. Which invaginations of the sarcolemma are thought to function similarly by sequestering calcium ions?
- Which regulatory protein does calcium bind to in order to initiate smooth muscle contraction?
- Which enzyme is responsible for phosphorylating the myosin head to allow it to bind to actin in smooth muscle?
- How are smooth muscle cells typically organized in the walls of hollow organs like the intestine?