Anatomy Practice Exam

What are actin and myosin responsible for in muscle cells?

1. Transporting oxygen in the blood

2. Creating the force of contraction

3. Regulating body temperature

4. Building connective tissue

The correct answer is: Creating the force of contraction

Actin and myosin are the primary proteins involved in muscle contraction. These proteins interact to create the sliding filament mechanism, which is essential for muscle fibers to generate force. In muscle cells, actin forms thin filaments, while myosin forms thick filaments. During contraction, myosin heads attach to binding sites on the actin filaments, pulling them closer together and shortening the muscle fiber, which is what generates the force needed for movement. This process is energy-dependent and is facilitated by ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides the necessary energy to produce movement and force in muscles. The other options do not pertain to the direct function of actin and myosin in muscle contraction. For example, oxygen transportation is primarily the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells and not related to muscle contraction at this level. Likewise, body temperature regulation involves various systems and mechanisms in the body, such as sweating and shivering, rather than the action of muscle proteins. Finally, while connective tissue is crucial for providing structural support in the body, it is not directly related to the contraction mechanisms of muscle cells. Thus, the role of actin and myosin in creating the force of contraction is fundamental to understanding muscle physiology.