In mammalian skeletal muscle, the transverse tubules invaginate from the sarcolemma at a characteristic position within each sarcomere. Where are they located?
- A At the level of the Z line
- B Along the M line
- C Within the H zone
- D At the junction of the A and I bands ✓
Correct answer: D. At the junction of the A and I bands
Explanation
In skeletal muscle each T tubule lies at the A-I junction, flanked on both sides by terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to form a triad, placing the voltage sensors close to the calcium release channels. In cardiac muscle the T tubules sit at the Z line and form dyads with only one cisterna. This anatomical difference is a standard comparison point between the two muscle types.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.