Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sarcomere

noun

sahr-koh-meer

Definition

The basic structural and functional unit of muscle tissue.

Examples

The sarcomere is the smallest unit of a muscle fiber.
During muscle contraction, the sarcomeres shorten as the actin and myosin filaments slide past each other.
Research into sarcomeres helps scientists understand muscle diseases.

Meaning

Sarcomeres are the repeating units in myofibrils, responsible for muscle contraction. They contain the necessary proteins that work together to enable muscle fibers to contract and relax.