Answered: After learning about muscle fiber types…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Related questions

Question

After learning about muscle fiber types in his anatomy and physiology class, Alex started to notice differences in the color of the turkey
meat he ate for lunch. Some of the meat was very white and some
of it was much darker. From the color of the meat, Alex guessed
which muscles the bird used for maintenance of posture and/or slow
movements, such as walking, and which muscles it used for quicker
movements, such as running or flying. What type of muscle fiber
predominates in white meat? In dark meat? Explain how the color
of the meat relates to the function of the muscle.

Expert Solution

Step 1

The skeletal muscles of the organism assist them in performing voluntary movements. In Turkey's case, the muscles of the thigh and legs are active while the muscles of the breast are used for flying and thus are hardly used by the turkey.

Step 2

White meat contains the muscles which do not receive a rich oxygen supply and have less myoglobin content. These muscles are well-rested muscles and are used for quick bursts of energy like flying. Thus, in white meat, fast-twitch fibers dominate. The breast muscle in the turkey contains fast-twitch fibers, and therefore the white meat has breast muscle.
Dark meat contains muscles that are active and receive a rich supply of blood and oxygen. The myoglobin contact in these muscles is high, which provides them a darker color. The fibers that dominate in these muscles are called slow-twitch fibers. The muscles of the leg and thigh form the dark meat. The slow-twitch fibers do not allow the muscle to experience fatigue, allowing the muscle to work for long periods of time.