Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

"Avatar", a Modified Ex vivo Work Loop Experiments Using In vivo Strain and Activation
Published on: August 18, 2023
A rheological motor model for vertebrate skeletal muscle in due consideration of non-linearity
1Department of Physics, Suzuka National College of Technology, Shiroko-cho, Suzuka 510-0294, Japan. tamura@genl.suzuka-ct.ac.jp
Abstract:
A rheological motor model that satisfies the major mechanical properties of the skeletal muscle is proposed. The model consists of two Maxwell elements and a Voigt element connected in parallel with each other and has a force generator in it. The model well explains the mechanical behavior in quick and slow recovery phases in the isometric contraction of the muscle and achieves a sufficient isotonic shortening speed. The energy liberation of the motor in isotonic contraction is calculated and a mechanism of control is proposed, which operates so as to decrease the dissipated energy by altering the weights of the elastic and viscous constants in Maxwell elements. And thereby it becomes possible for the motor to possess non-linearity in energy liberation and load-velocity relation alike in muscle. The model would be a base model to be utilized for analyzing the kinetics of human macrosystems and/or for modeling the human neuromuscular system of motion control.
Related Concept Videos
Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential...
Fascicle Arrangement in Skeletal Muscles
The four primary types of muscle based on fascicle arrangement are:
Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.

