In 'Tetanus,' why is the muscle able to maintain a sustained contraction?
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Correct answer: Calcium remains high because the SR cannot reabsorb it between rapid stimuli
When stimuli arrive fast enough, the SR doesn't have time to reabsorb the calcium between shocks. This constant high calcium concentration keeps the troponin-tropomyosin complex out of the way, allowing for continuous cross-bridge activity.
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More Muscle Physiology: Contraction Mechanisms questions
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