What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in muscle contraction?

1 Answer
Maxwell
Jul 21, 2017

Primarily to store large amounts of "Ca"^(+2) ions for muscle contraction.

Explanation:

It is a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum in muscles cell which primarily functions to store large amounts of Ca^(+2) ions for muscle contraction.

When an action potential occurs, the signal reaches the SR and causes the release of the large stores of "Ca"^(+2) ions. These calcium ions will initiate the start of contraction of muscle cells. When contraction is no longer needed, the SR will actively pump "Ca"^(+2) back into the SR lumen for future use.

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