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About This Simulation
Explore the distribution and function of the three different muscle tissues found in the human body. Examine them down to the cellular level and dive further into their molecular structures to reveal the fascinating mechanisms behind muscle contractions.
Learning Objectives
- Broadly describe the major roles of muscle tissue
- Critically demonstrate how muscle contraction and relaxation is linked to thermoregulation, digestion, circulation and motor function
- Compare different types of muscle contraction
- Compare the contributions of different muscle types to body control and function
- Differentiate smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle based on their microstructure and relate to organ functions
- Describe and identify the general organization and structural components of a skeletal muscle
- Define the sliding filament theory of skeletal muscle contraction
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
Related Standards
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Learn More About This Simulation
Did you know that you have more than 600 muscles in your body? Some of these muscles help to express your emotions through gesticulation and facial expressions, while the heart beats more than 3.3 billion times over 80 years! In this simulation, you will take a closer look at the three distinct muscle tissues we find in the human body and what purpose they serve.
Investigate the function of muscle tissues
Your first task is to learn about the different types of muscle tissues found in the human body. Interact with the anatomical 3D holograms to explore the distribution and main functions of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissues. Using the control panel to navigate the different models, you will have to collect information about the tissues to solve different scenarios related to the muscular system.
Take a look inside the muscle cells
Continue your investigation by examining the muscle tissues at the cellular level to see how the individual muscle cells of each muscle tissue compare and contrast from one another. Pick up the cellular 3D models and examine the nuclei, myofibrils, mitochondria and more to understand how the intracellular components enable each muscle cell to perform the functions characteristic for that muscle tissue.
Observe how a muscle cell contracts
Follow the pathway that allows a nerve signal initiated in the brain to induce an actual muscle contraction in a skeletal muscle. Dive into the molecular level and see how the myofibrils are arranged in repeating units of sarcomeres. Compare a 3D model of a sarcomere to its electron micrograph and observe the changes that take place during contraction and relaxation. Finally, immerse yourself in the process of the sliding filament theory by interacting with the contractile proteins of a sarcomere.
Will you be able to figure out the molecular mechanisms that underlie muscle contraction?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.