Step 1 (Primary response): Please address one of the following
1. Explain how a slight (but smooth) contraction differs from a vigorous contraction of the same muscle. Use the concepts of multiple motor unit summation.
OR
1. Muscle-relaxing drugs are administered to a patient during major surgery. Which of the two chemicals described next would be a good skeletal muscle relaxant and why?
· Chemical A binds to and blocks ACh receptors of muscle cells.
· Chemical B floods the muscle cells’ cytoplasm with Ca2+-

Step 2 (Secondary response): Continue the conversation with a classmate by selecting one of the following topics
1. How do various patterns of muscle contraction (ie slight versus vigorous) apply to weight lifting programs and strength gain?
2. Compare Chemical A to Chemical B. Specifically, what are the downsides to their use?
As always, please cite your sources as needed.