Smooth muscle cell

A Smooth Muscle Cell (SMC) is a type of muscle cell that is found in the human body. Unlike skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle, smooth muscle is not striated. Its primary function is to contract and relax, allowing for movement and flexibility within the body's internal organs.

Structure

Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and contain a single, centrally located nucleus. They are smaller than other muscle cells, typically measuring 20 to 500 micrometers in length. The cells are arranged in sheets or layers, with the long axes of the cells running parallel to each other.

Function

Smooth muscle cells play a crucial role in the function of many of the body's internal organs, including the stomach, intestines, uterus, blood vessels, and airways. They contract and relax in response to various signals, including hormones, neurotransmitters, and physical stress.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in smooth muscle cell function can lead to a variety of medical conditions, such as asthma, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome. Research into the function and regulation of smooth muscle cells is therefore of great importance in the field of medicine.

See also

• Muscle tissue
• Muscle contraction
• Myocyte