8-4 Muscle tissue

SKELETAL MUSCLE – 3

These images show skeletal muscle fibers at a higher magnification than the ones of the previous page.
Upper image
Skeletal muscle fibers are shown in longitudinal sections. The transverse striations of the cytoplasm are clearly visible in each fiber.

Some nuclei are highlighted in blue when the cursor is placed over them or when the image is clicked. Observe a characteristic feature of skeletal muscle fibers: their nuclei are located at the periphery of the cell, immediately beneath the plasma membrane.

Lower image
At a slightly higher magnification, most of the muscle fibers are shown in longitudinal sections, and their transverse striations are clearly visible.

In the lower-right corner of the image, observe three transversely sectioned fibers, highlighted in light blue. Some of their peripherally located nuclei are highlighted in dark blue.

Upper image
Skeletal muscle fibers seen in longitudinal sections. The transverse striation of the cytoplasm of each cell is clearly visible.
Some nuclei are highlighted in blue after placing the cursor or clicking on the image. Observe a typical feature of striated muscle cell: the nuclei are placed at the cell periphery under the cell membrane.

Lower image
At a slightly higher magnification most muscle cells are shown in longitudinal sections. Their transverse striation is clearly visible.
In the lower right corner of the image obeserve three cross-sectioned fibers — highlighted in light blue. Some of their peripheral nuclei are highlighted in dark blue.