1. Principles of Muscle Contraction Graeme, Rosana, Sophie 11th November 2014

2. 1. Fascia Layer of thickened connective tissue that covers the entire muscle over the underlying layer of epimysium

3. Each muscle within the Fascia consists of many Fasicles grouped together as shown above. Each Fasicle is a bundle of individual muscle fibres (cells) wrapped in Perymisium connective tissue Each muscle fibre itself is sheathed in Endomysium connective tissue containing blood capillaries, nerves and lymphatics

5. Motor unit A motor unit comprises one nerve cell and all of the muscle fibres that it’s synapses are attached to

6. Actin (Thin filament) Myosin (Thick filament) Sarcomere representation Motor Unit receives impulses from the brain or spinal cord Causes a change in potential in the Sarcomere Creates a chemical reaction that causes the Myosin filaments to slide along the Actin filaments which shortens the length of the sarcomere and hence the muscle fibre contracts