Glossary Term
Z Disk
The Z-disk, a dark line separating adjacent I-bands in muscle cells, acts as the border of the sarcomere and is composed of connectin protein that anchors actin filaments. A sarcomere is a segment of a myofibril between two Z-disks. Synonyms for the Z-disk include Z-line, Z-band, and Z-plate. Related terms include myofibril, sarcomere, actin, and connectin.
Z disk - Refers to a dark line between adjacent I-bands under a microscope. This area is the border, or walls of the "sarcomere", and is comprised of connectin protein that acts as an anchor for the actin filaments. Example, a sacromere (the smallest functional unit of a muscle cell) may be defined as a segment of a myofibrile between two Z disks.
- Saladin, K. (2014). Anatomy & physiology: The unity of form and function. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York. ISBN: 9780073403717
Comments
Synonyms
- Z-line
- Z-band
- Z-plate