Skip to main content
sarcoplasm

sarcoplasm

9.9
The liquid inside a muscle cell that holds parts needed to make the muscle work
  • noun
  • /ˈsɑrkəˌplæzəm/
  • Specialized
: sarcoplasma
  • During muscle contraction, calcium ions move within the sarcoplasm.

Examples

  • Compared to other cells, the sarcoplasm is rich in glycogen and myoglobin.

  • The sarcoplasm contains many enzymes needed for muscle metabolism.

  • The sarcoplasm is crucial for muscle function.

  • Muscle fibers contain sarcoplasm that supports contraction.

  • The sarcoplasm contains many organelles that are vital for muscle contraction.

  • During exercise, the sarcoplasm releases energy to help the muscles work.

  • The structure of the sarcoplasm is essential for efficient muscle function.

Surface Forms

sarcoplasm singular
sarcoplasms plural

Morphology

sarcoplasm = plasm (opaque) = sarco + plasm

Formed by the specialized combining form 'sarco-' (muscle/flesh) attached to 'plasm'; the combining form is technical and not transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Sarcoplasm comes from the Greek parts sarco- meaning 'flesh' and -plasm meaning 'plasma' or 'the formed stuff inside a cell'. So, sarcoplasm is the fluid and material inside muscle ('flesh') cells that helps them work and shorten.