What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in muscle contraction?

1 Answer
Maxwell
Jul 21, 2017

Primarily to store large amounts of #"Ca"^(+2)# ions for muscle contraction.

Explanation:

It is a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum in muscles cell which primarily functions to store large amounts of #Ca^(+2)# ions for muscle contraction.

When an action potential occurs, the signal reaches the SR and causes the release of the large stores of #"Ca"^(+2)# ions. These calcium ions will initiate the start of contraction of muscle cells. When contraction is no longer needed, the SR will actively pump #"Ca"^(+2)# back into the SR lumen for future use.

Related questions
See all questions in Muscular System
Impact of this question
10760 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License