sarcoplasmic reticulum

American  

[sahr-kuh-plaz-mik] / ˌsɑr kəˈplæz mɪk /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a system of membrane-bound tubules that surrounds muscle fibrils, releasing calcium ions during contraction and absorbing them during relaxation.

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Etymology

Origin of sarcoplasmic reticulum

First recorded in 1950–55; sarco- + plasm(a) + -ic

Example Sentences

The trigger for calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the sarcoplasm is a neural signal.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

In muscle cells, a specialized SER called the sarcoplasmic reticulum is responsible for storage of the calcium ions that are needed to trigger the coordinated contractions of the muscle cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The remaining Ca2+ for contraction is released from storage in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The drug digitalis lowers HR and increases the strength of the contraction, acting as a positive inotropic agent by blocking the sequestering of calcium ions into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In addition, the sarcoplasmic reticulum stores few calcium ions, so most of the calcium ions must come from outside the cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013