Microscopic Anatomy and Organization of Skeletal Muscle and Muscle
Physiology
Lab 9
Skeleton Muscle Physiology: Computer Simulation
Exercise 16B - Page PEx-23
Activity Sheet
Objectives:
• Use a simulation of skeletal muscle experiments to investigate threshold
stimulus, maximal stimulus, multiple motor unit summation, wave
summation and tetanus and the graded contraction.
• Develop and test hypotheses related to muscle contraction.
• Practice graphing data from an experiment.
• Practice interpreting a graph and drawing conclusions from data.
Directions - Getting Started
• This exercise uses the PhysioEx disc in the back of your lab manual or available
online through Mastering A&P.
• Obtain a laptop computer, power cord, mouse and mouse pad from the cabinet
and assemble it as directed by the instructor.
• Open the computer and turn it on. Wait until the Windows screen opens.
Follow the screen directions to start the computer.
• Turn to the exercise Skeletal Muscle Physiology: Computer Simulation in
your lab manual - PagePEx-23. Note: Exercise 16B is in the back of the lab
manual or ask for a handout from the front desk.
These directions are taken from the lab manual and slightly modified for our
use.
• Open PhysioEx and Choose Exercise 2:Skeletal Muscle Physiology from the
menu at the top of the screen. Then choose Single Stimulus. The screen should
look like Figure 16B.1 in the Lab Manual. Take a minute to identify the
oscilloscope display, muscle sample in holder, stimulator, voltage control, data
recording area, time display, and force display. The muscle length should
always remain at 75 mm.
• Any time you are instructed to Print, make a copy for each person in