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Grumblepanda t1_j4k1yk6 wrote

Reply to comment by DoomGoober in Why are skeletal muscle fibres bundled? by Repulsive_Cry_2200

There is a redundency factor in our bodies. If you had one main nerve firing one entire muscle that then gets damaged, you would lose entire control over that muscle and its function. If nerve pathways weren't shared, it would individualize group function (motor units). Think of it like roads in a city. The fascicles allow for micro stabilization within the muscles plane of movement, creating strength/integrity through changing force/velocity. (More data required) Developmentally we stress our bodies with different demand and stimuli, creating a reaction in how our muscles create shape. As we all have a similar bone and joint structure (compared to other animals) we have similar patterns to the base demands that our body develops in response to, so similar fascial presentations develop.

Please strike me down for any inaccuracies or incorrect generalizations. It sounds like you have some solid education behind you already.

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goosebattle t1_j4kwyqh wrote

This also helps us regulate muscle force output more like a dimmer switch rather than an on off switch.

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Grumblepanda t1_j4luxop wrote

Contrary to the instructor who once said there is only "On or Off" for muscle engagement. I really hope I misunderstood their intention with that.

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goosebattle t1_j4m0zj0 wrote

Motor units (and single muscle cells) are almost operating as on/off. There is some minor modulation possible with changes in firing frequency. Each muscle has many (typically >>100) motor units varying in size, each with an on/off switch. The net result of having so many motor units is the muscle behaves as if it is operating with a dimmer switch.

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