Skeletal Muscle Contraction

Task 1:  Review of muscle contraction concepts.

Watch the following animations in order at least twice.
 
Breakdown of ATP and Cross-Bridge Movement during Muscle Contraction

Muscular System, Sliding Filament Theory 1

Muscular System, Sliding Filament Theory 2

Task 2:  Summary animation with self-quizzes.

Watch the following animation and complete self-quizzes along the way.  Answers should be filled in on the attached Skeletal Muscle Contraction Q's worksheet.

Muscle Contraction - A summary

Skeletal Muscle Contraction Q's are attached below.

Task 3:  Extensions

Choose one of the following as an extension of your learning of muscle contractions.  Answer on the Skeletal Muscle Contraction Q's worksheet (if you need more space add your own paper if you are printing the document; or just continue typing if emailing the document). 

Option 1:  Physical Therapist

You are a physical therapist at a local sports and fitness center.  One of the common injuries you will be treating are muscle strains often experienced by high school athletes.  What is the difference between a muscle strain and a sprain? How would the treatment differ between a muscle strain and sprain?  How are they similar?  What specialized equipment might be used?

Option 2:  Occupational Therapist

You are an occupational therapist working in a rehabilitation hospital.  You have been assigned two patients:  one is a 40 year-old stroke victim and the other is an 80 year-old stroke victim.  What kind of impairments do you observe?  What kind of improvement would you expect from each patient? Would the treatments be the same for both patients?  Why? 

Option 3:  EMT

You are an on-duty EMT at the World Series Game and your favorite pitcher throws a wild pitch and then grabs his bicep in pain.  You are motioned onto the field by the team's medical staff to assist. What questions would you ask the pitcher?  What type of injury do you suspect and what would cause that type of injury?   Can you find a mathematical equation or relate the cause mathematically? 

Option 4:  Personal trainer

You have been hired by the "Biggest Loser" television show to continue training with a contestant on the show once they have returned home.  The client's goal is to lose additional weight and achieve muscle tone without a drastic increase in muscle mass.  What types of exercises would you recommend and how many repetitions should be done with each?  Would you suggest specific weight limits?  Why? 

Option 5:  Medical Researcher

You have a child with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and as a trained researcher, you want to investigate the newest research and experimental treatments to help keep your child's muscle tone as long as possible.  Find a pertinent website for preliminary information on the disease and find an organization in your area for support and information. Next, find an article or relevant piece of research and create a summary in one page.

Option 6:  Nutritionist

Develop a diet for your elderly grandmother and 4 year-old nephew, both of whom you are concerned are not eating properly for proper muscle health.  Why should they eat these foods?  What repercussions would result if they don't follow the diet?