What is explained by the sliding filament theory?

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When we examine what the sliding filament theory describes, the focus is on how muscle fibers shorten during contraction.
Option 1 proposes that the shortening of a sarcomere to produce a muscle contraction is explained by this theory, which aligns with the classic view that actin and myosin slide past one another to reduce the sarcomere length.
Option 2 claims that actin pulls the myosin toward the center of the sarcomere. In reality, the cross-bridge cycle involves myosin heads pulling on actin filaments, causing sliding, so the directionality described here is reversed and this wording is misleading.
Option 3 suggests lengthening of a sarcomere after contraction. The sliding filament model accounts for shortening during contraction, not lengthening afterward, so this option contradicts the core idea of the theory.
Option 4 states that the Z-lines move farther apart. If sarcomeres shorten during contraction, the Z-lines move closer together, not farther apart, making this option incorrect in describing the mechanism.
Overall, the options differ in how precisely they capture the core concept: contraction results from actin and myosin interactions causing sarcomere shortening, rather than any action that lengthens the sarcomere or misattributes the direction of the filament movement.

KINE-3030-001 (Fall 2025) Chapter 5

What is explained by the sliding filament theory?

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KINE-3030-001 (Fall 2025) Chapter 5

What is explained by the sliding filament theory?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Question at position 24 In the sliding filament model of muscle contraction, the myofilaments slide over each other, resulting in the overlapping of actin and __________. myosin actin tropomyosin troponin

A marathon runner started experiencing muscle cramps towards the end of the race. This is thought to be due to electrolyte loss. Which of the following is most critical for muscle contraction?

Application-Level Multiple-Choice Items​ Magnesium is an important mineral that works with calcium in the body to:​

The antagonist muscle(s) passively __lengthen __during the lifting phase and passively __shorten __during the lowering phase. To lift (or push or pull) a resistance the agonists are _concentrically __ contracting, to control the resistance back down the agonists are __eccentrically __ contracting.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Application-Level Multiple-Choice Items Magnesium is an important mineral that works with calcium in the body to:

The antagonist muscle(s) passively lengthen during the lifting phase and passively shorten during the lowering phase. To lift (or push or pull) a resistance the agonists are _concentrically contracting, to control the resistance back down the agonists are eccentrically __ contracting.