Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Rapid Automated Protocol for Muscle Fiber Population Analysis in Rat Muscle Cross Sections Using Myosin Heavy Chain Immunohistochemistry
Published on: March 28, 2017
The ultrastruct of normal human muscle in relation to fibre type
Abstract:
A quantitative analysis using a stereological point-counting method was made of the volume fractions of the components of healthy human muscle in an attempt to distinguish between Type I and Type II fibres ultrastructurally. The Z-line widths of each fibre were also measured using the 38.5 nm axial periodicity in the I-band as a reference measurement. There was a wide range of values for the parameters measured. The volume of mitochondria was 5.14 plus or minus 1.85% (mean plus or minus standard deviation, n=24 fibres), the volume of the membrane systems was 1.59 plus or minus 0.31%, the volume of the sarcoplasm was 9.37 plus or minus 2.50% and the volume of lipid was 0.63 plus or minus 0.43%. The width of the Z-lines was 89.0 plus or minus 18.65 nm. The results show that no single feature can be used to distinguish fibre types reliably. If 2 factors are measured and certain assumptions are made, it is possible to classify about 50% of the fibres examined. These conclusions are discussed in relation to other workers' findings on the effects of age, sex and athleticism on the ultrastructure of muscle.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Gross Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Fast-twitch fibers
Fast-twitch fibers, or Type II fibers, are designed for quick, powerful bursts of speed and strength. They reach peak tension within approximately 0.01 seconds following stimulation. Characterized by a large diameter and densely packed myofibrils, these fibers contain...
Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
Fascicle Arrangement in Skeletal Muscles
The four primary types of muscle based on fascicle arrangement are:

