URL study guide
https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/B_MECHADMYOCourse Objective
At the end of this course, the student has detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of functional morphology and physiology of the muscular system embedded within a connective tissue context as well as of the mechanical load induced adaptations thereof. The student is able to apply and discuss this knowledge with respect to problems and questions related to locomotion, movement, training induced muscle adaptation and orthopeadic interventions.Course Content
During the course, a critical evaluation is made of the current knowledge of how muscle structure and function are related and how these properties adapt in response to mechanical loading. This involves the subjects indicated below:- force exertion by sarcomeres, muscle fibers, muscle and muscle tendon
- complexes;
- elasticity;
- functional morphology and determinants of the muscle length
- force
- velocity characteristics;
- heterogeneity in mechanical properties and functional consequences;
- force transmission between muscle fiber, tendon and fascia;
- adaptation of muscle due to growth, immobilization, training and surgical interventions;
- mechanotransduction and cellular signaling in the regulation of adaptation of muscle size.
Teaching Methods
lecture practical tutorial The course consists of a series of lectures and tutorials. In this combination, the relevant topics will be addressed, explored and discussed. One practical is included in which the analysis of gene expression in muscle in reponse to mechanical loading will be introduced.Method of Assessment
ExamThe assessment consists of:- written examination (essay questions including calculations)
- 90%;
- practical report
- 10%.
Literature
Lecture notes, book chapters, research articles and review papers whichwill be made available before the course.Entry Requirements
The student should have basic knowledge and understanding of the muscleanatomy and physiology as well as molecular biology.Language of Tuition
- English
Study type
- Master