8-13 Muscle tissue

SMOOTH MUSCLE – 4
The figure shows smooth muscle cells at high magnification. Their elongated, cigar-shaped nuclei have rounded ends.

When smooth muscle cells contract, their nuclei may become coiled or spiral-shaped. This characteristic nuclear shape can help identify smooth muscle cells in histological sections.

Observe the spiral-shaped nuclei in the images.

Longitudinal sections of smooth muscle cells. High magnification.

NEXT PAGE

PREVIOUS PAGE

MENU OF THIS CHAPTER