smooth muscle

Euler-Liljestrand Mechanism: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

The Euler-Liljestrand mechanism causes contraction of the vascular muscles in the pulmonary tracts when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen, which improves the ventilation-perfusion quotient of the lungs. The mechanism is a natural reflex that involves the lungs exclusively. The Euler-Liljestrand mechanism is pathologic at high altitudes, for example, where it promotes pulmonary edema. … Euler-Liljestrand Mechanism: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Smooth Muscle: Structure, Function & Diseases

Smooth muscle is a type of muscle located in numerous hollow human organs. It has the ability to work independently. What is smooth muscle? Smooth muscle is a type of muscle that, unlike striated muscle, cannot be controlled at will. It exerts influence on the shape and function of the internal organs. It forms the … Smooth Muscle: Structure, Function & Diseases

Trypanasoma Cruzi: Infection, Transmission & Diseases

Trypanasoma cruzi is a single-celled parasite and, together with Leishmania, belongs to the Trypanosomatidae family. It is considered the causative agent of the so-called Chagas disease and is found mainly in Latin America. What is Trypanasoma cruzi? Trypanosoma cruzi, along with Trypanosoma brucei, belongs to the genus Trypanosoma. These belong to the protozoan family, a … Trypanasoma Cruzi: Infection, Transmission & Diseases

Bright Adaptation: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

The human eye, unlike some animal eyes, is dependent on light for its function. The less light that surrounds us, the less shapes and outlines can be perceived. The more light that enters our eye, the more colorful and clear the world around us becomes. For this reason, the human eye has the mechanism of … Bright Adaptation: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition: Function, Role & Diseases

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, or EMT, refers to the transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells. This transformation possesses great importance in embryonic development. However, this process also plays a key role in the development of metastases in carcinomas. What is epithelial-mesenchymal transition? Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a conversion of already differentiated epithelial cells into undifferentiated mesenchymal stem … Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition: Function, Role & Diseases

Smooth Musculature

Definition Smooth muscle is the type of muscle that is found in most of the human hollow organs and, due to its special structure, is able to work very effectively and independently without high energy expenditure. Features The smooth musculature got its name from the fact that it is clearly different from the other type … Smooth Musculature

Subforms | Smooth Musculature

Subforms The smooth musculature can also be divided into two subgroups, which differ in their excitation patterns (innervation), structure and consequently also in their function: the single-unit types and the multi-unit types, whereby mixed forms also exist (especially in the musculature of vessels). The single-unit type is characterized by the fact that the individual muscle … Subforms | Smooth Musculature

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate: Function & Diseases

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate is a molecule that, from a biochemical perspective, is derived from adenosine triphosphate. In many cases, cyclic adenosine monophosphate is simply referred to by the abbreviation cAMP. The molecule functions as a so-called second messenger in the signal transduction of cells. In this context, cyclic adenosine monophosphate primarily serves to activate certain … Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate: Function & Diseases

Preload: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Preload is the force that stretches the fibers of the heart‘s ventricles during the relaxation and filling phases of the heart (diastole), which can contract. Thus, preload is involved in the basic function of the human heart, which is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body. In reverse failure in heart failure, complications … Preload: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Soft Tissue: Structure, Function & Diseases

Soft tissues include all soft tissues except epithelia, internal organs, and glial tissue. Thus, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, and connective tissue are included in soft tissues. What is soft tissue? Soft tissue refers to a collection of differentiated cells including their extracellular matrix. Soft tissues are usually composed of collagen, elastin, and a ground substance. … Soft Tissue: Structure, Function & Diseases