8-13 Muscle tissue

SMOOTH MUSCLE – 4
The figure shows a smooth muscle fibers at high magnification. Their nuclei frequently are elongated, have rounded ends, and are cigar-shaped.

When smooth muscle fibers contract, their nuclei often follow the cell’s shortening, assuming a spiral shape, like a corkscrew or a pig’s tail. Note some of these nuclei highlighted in green.

Smooth muscle cells as seen in a longitudinal section.

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