Rabbit Muscle Contraction

During this lab, evidence was shown when ATP was added to the rabbit muscle
fiber. It was then visibly observed when the muscle contracted, because the muscle
contracted 40% from its original length. There were different lengths of muscle, but
since the connective tissue was still intact, when the ATP was added to the muscle, all
cells contracted as a unit. There were wrinkles shown in the cells after ATP (shown in
Figure 1b), which clearly shows evidence that the muscle contracted. There were
problems in the lab, because the measurements were not accurate. Different scales
were used in each lab performance, so the percentages of contraction were not all
definite. To show a real life example of how muscles contract, in comparison to the
rabbit muscle, a mink muscle was used. Mink muscles should contract the same as
rabbit muscles, and below the skeletal muscles of the mink are labeled.

Figure 1a: The rabbit muscle fiber before ATP was added to it. The fiber is normal size,
and still has thickness to it.

Figure 1b: The rabbit muscle fiber after ATP was added to it. Visibly, its obvious how
small the strand curved in not only length, but in width also.
Figure 1c. Rabbit muscle before ATP was added. This is a the view of the muscle under the
microscope (100x), and clearly shows the straight, long fibers of cells.

Figure 1d. Rabbit muscle after ATP was added. This view shows evidence of how much the
muscle contracted, from being a straight fiber of muscle to a condensed fiber. (100x)

Table 1: Length and width data table. The table shows evidence that the rabbit muscle
did contract. The results below were calculated all from one strand, but from different
cells.
Trial # Before ATP After ATP Change in Degree of
length degree contraction/
initial x 100

Trial 1 1 cm 6 mm .4 mm 40%

Trial 2 160 (computer 960 (computer 640 40%

screen) screen)

Trial 3 2000 1200 800 40%

(computer (computer
screen) screen)
Figure 2a. Head and neck of the mink which includes of 13 muscles

2b. Medial side of the arm which includes of 2 muscles.

FIgure 2c. Lateral side of the arm which includes of 6 muscles.

Figure 2d. Lateral side of the hip which includes of 3 muscles.

Figure 2e. Medial side of the hip/leg which includes of 8 muscles.

Figure 2f. Lateral side of the leg which includes of 3 muscles.

Figure 2g. Medial side of the leg which includes a tendon.

Link to the oral exam reciting the muscles of a mink.

https://youtu.be/8GS2h6p2FW4