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MDCAT · CHAPTER 9

Support & Movement

Connect sarcomere structure, calcium signalling and ATP-powered cross-bridge cycling in one continuous mechanism.

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01 / LESSON

Build the explanation.

  • Identify the structural bands and filaments of a sarcomere.
  • Explain how calcium exposes actin-binding sites.
  • Describe the roles of ATP in attachment, movement and relaxation.
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02 / NOTES

The essentials, in one place.

  • Actin and myosin slide; the filaments themselves do not shorten.
  • Calcium exposes actin sites through troponin and tropomyosin.
  • ATP enables detachment, re-cocking and calcium reuptake.
  • Recruitment and firing frequency determine whole-muscle force.
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03 / ACTIVITY

Test the idea by changing something.

Predict the result first, run the activity, then explain what changed and why.

Compare bone, cartilage and muscleSort & explain ↗Slide the filamentsModel ↗Read a sarcomereSort & explain ↗Build the cross-bridge cycleBuild a process ↗Classify joints and joint damageSort & explain ↗

04 / DIAGRAM

Make the connections visible.

From nerve signal to exposed actin
01Motor impulse

A muscle-fibre action potential begins.

02T-tubules

Depolarisation enters the fibre.

03Ca²⁺ release

The sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium.

04Troponin binds

Tropomyosin shifts away from actin sites.

Excitation–contraction coupling links an electrical event to cross-bridge access.

Cover the labels, redraw the sequence or comparison, and explain each connection aloud.

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05 / QUIZ

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Original practice items, including related concept variants; not official examination questions.

06 / REVISION SHEET

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A print-friendly sheet brings together the learning targets, key points, concept diagram, written recall prompts and applied MCQs. Add the answer key when you are ready to check.

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