Structure of Sarcomere

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Coloring Image
Electron micrograph of a sarcomere showing its structural components. The sarcomere is classified as existing between two Z lines. Each Z line bisects an I band on either side. There is an A band in the center of the sarcomere. The A band contains thick myosin filaments, and is darker (more electron dense), while thin actin filaments anchor to the Z line and extend towards the M line. The H band is located in the middle of the A band, and represents the region of thick filaments that do not overlap with the thin filaments. The M line runs through its center and represents the anchoring point for the thick filaments. The image illustrates the arrangement of myofilaments and the repeating unit of striated muscle.
Histology Image
University of Tasmania, J. Chapman

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