Which of the following describes the characteristic shape of a single smooth muscle cell?
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Correct answer: Fusiform (spindle-shaped) with tapering ends
Smooth muscle cells are fusiform, meaning they are thickest in the middle and taper at both ends. They range in length from 20 micrometers in small blood vessels to 500 micrometers in the pregnant uterus.
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More Smooth Muscle Histology questions
- In a smooth muscle cell, where is the single, elongated nucleus typically located?
- 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?