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Smooth muscle properties

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Smooth muscle has some unique properties, such as low energy usage, ability to maintain contraction over long periods, and the stress-relaxation response. Tie these properties to the function of smooth muscle in the body.

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Smooth muscle tissue starts contraction more slowly than skeletal muscle. In addition, the contractions last much longer. Calcium ions enter and exit muscle fibers much more slowly than in skeletal muscle. As a result, calcium ions exist in the sarcoplasm for a prolonged period. This gives rise to smooth muscle tone, a state of continued partial contraction. As a result, smooth muscle tissue can sustain long term tone. This is important in the GI tract, ...

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