Myofibril
Myofibril
A myofibril (also known as a muscle fibril) is a basic rod-like unit of a muscle cell. Muscles are composed of tubular cells called myocytes, known as muscle fibers in striated muscle, and these cells in turn contain many chains of myofibrils. They are created during a process known as myogenesis.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Myofibrils are composed of long proteins including actin, myosin, and titin, and other proteins that hold them together. These proteins are organized into a repeating unit called a sarcomere, the basic unit of muscle contraction. The myofibril is the part of the muscle that contracts.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the myofibril is to contract, or shorten, in response to a signal from the nervous system. This contraction is what allows for movement in the body, whether it be voluntary or involuntary.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities in myofibrils can lead to various muscular disorders, including muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. These conditions can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, loss of mobility or heart failure.
See also[edit | edit source]
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