Muscle Physiology and Contraction · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of events in excitation–contraction coupling in skeletal muscle, from membrane excitation to force generation?

  1. ACh release → SR Ca²⁺ reuptake → T-tubule repolarization → cross-bridge cycling
  2. Action potential → T-tubule depolarization → Ca²⁺ release → cross-bridge cycling
  3. Cross-bridge cycling → Ca²⁺ release → T-tubule depolarization → action potential
  4. ATP hydrolysis → membrane excitation → Ca²⁺ release → filament sliding
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Correct answer: Action potential → T-tubule depolarization → Ca²⁺ release → cross-bridge cycling

The correct sequence: motor neuron triggers action potential → AP travels along sarcolemma and T-tubules → depolarization activates DHPR-RyR → SR releases Ca²⁺ → Ca²⁺ binds troponin → cross-bridge cycling begins.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 20

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