Multiunit smooth muscle cells are stimulated to contract in unison, whereas single-unit smooth muscle cells receive stimulation tocontract individually.True or FalseTrueFalse

Answered: Multiunit smooth muscle cells are…

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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Question

Multiunit smooth muscle cells are stimulated to contract in unison, whereas single-unit smooth muscle cells receive stimulation to
contract individually.
True or False
True
False

Expert Solution

Step 1

Multiunit smooth muscle cells are not electrically coupled as they do not possess gap junctions. This results in electrical contraction not spreading from one cell to another. In multiunit smooth muscle cells, each cell must be stimulated individually. This provides greater control over the contractions.

Single unit smooth muscle cells are electrically coupled because they are connected via gap junctions. This results in the action potential passing from one cell to another. Single unit smooth muscle cells are all stimulated to contract at the same point of time, therefore, the intensity of contraction is controlled through the concentration of calcium ions.