THE MECHANISM OF SMOOTH MUSCLE FUNCTION
Keywords:
Smooth muscle, contraction, calcium signaling, ion channels, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), RhoA/ROCK pathway, nitric oxide (NO), cyclic GMP, autonomic regulation, muscle relaxation.Abstract
Smooth muscles play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including digestion, blood circulation, and respiration. Unlike skeletal muscles, smooth muscles contract involuntarily and are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This article reviews the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying smooth muscle function, emphasizing ion channels, signal transduction, and the role of calcium in muscle contraction.
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