All Glossary Terms
Anatomy
Myofibril
Long protein structures within muscle fibers containing the contractile elements.
Myofibrils are cylindrical protein structures running the length of muscle fibers, containing chains of sarcomeres. They are the actual contractile components of muscle. Myofibrillar hypertrophy increases the number and size of myofibrils, directly increasing strength. This type of hypertrophy is emphasized by heavy training.
Examples
- Contains sarcomeres in series
- Myofibrillar hypertrophy = strength gains
- Increased from heavy training