Smooth muscle lacks T-tubules. Which invaginations of the sarcolemma are thought to function similarly by sequestering calcium ions?
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Correct answer: Caveolae
Caveolae are small, vesicle-like invaginations of the plasma membrane that contain ion channels and pumps. They act in concert with the sarcoplasmic reticulum to regulate intracellular calcium concentration.
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More Smooth Muscle Histology questions
- 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?
- Which of the following is true regarding the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in smooth muscle compared to skeletal muscle?
- Which type of smooth muscle organization involves cells acting independently and being richly innervated by individual nerve endings?
- Unitary (visceral) smooth muscle cells are functionally linked by which histological feature?