Striated muscles: From molecules to cells

Abstract

Striated muscles are complex structures, composed of many cells and different molecules that work together to produce contraction and force. Advanced techniques have allowed scientists to investigate all layer of muscle organization. Forces ranging from piconewtons (pN) to millinewtons (mN) and displacements ranging from nanometers (nm) to millimetres (mm) can be measured in different muscle structures. The integration of different layers of analyses improves significantly our understanding of the mechanisms of contraction. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.