| Abstrakt: |
Muscle belongs to a class of highly elastic gels typified by rubber. Results of studies of certain properties of gels seem applicable. Myomicrofibrils contain long thin molecules, subject to thermal motion and held more or less straight against thermal forces by polar structures possibly lactic acid. Stimulation lies in disorganizing the polar structures; whereupon, myomicrofibrils become contorted by thermal agitation and therefore manifest tension. Heating on extension is necessary consequence. Cooling on contraction is predicted, demanding a decrease of temperature of 0·006 C in frog muscle contracting 4·5 mm. under a load of 1000 g. Change in volume is incidental to change in temperature, and geometrical form, but not essential. Speed of contraction is determined by temperature and viscosity. Many characteristics of contracting muscle may be explained. Lactic acid production may not play as prominent a role as in other theories. The initial outburst of heat may be adaptational. Recovery may not be passive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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