Lets mix a bit of science with our sport.
When talking about muscle growth, it is common to reduce the whole process to merely protein synthesis. However muscle growth is actually a much more complex process that involves many other processes than the simple synthesis of proteins from amino acids (proteins are the building blocks of muscles and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins).
There is a scientific term to define building muscle which probably you have already heard; I’m talking about muscle hypertrophy. A large amount of information resulting from scientific research has determined that in order for this process to happen, it is require the fusion of a "special" type of new cells with the existing muscle fibers. Normally an adult can not generate normal muscle cells; however this "special" new cell type, which has been called satellite cells, can be generated during adulthood.
These satellite cells serve as functional units but also provide some of the components needed to repair and rebuild damaged muscle cells. However, and unfortunately for some, this cells are not always working. They are located near the surface of the muscle fibers, waiting for some sort of signal to trigger their activation.
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Thus the function of these cells is to ensure reparation, it is clear that for this to happen, any sort of damage should occur somewhere. It is not possible to repair something completely functional and stable. Injury, trauma or high intensity training can cause enough damage to generate the necessary stimulus to activate satellite cells.
After being activated, the cells divide and proliferate, forming another type of cells (myoblasts) which then will fuse with the existing muscle fibers. This cell fusion involves the addition of a larger number of nuclei to the muscle cells (muscle cells are multinucleated). An increase in the number of nuclei in muscular cells boosts the production of a greater amount of protein (actin and myosin are the muscle proteins). This processes cause an increase in the overall size and protein content of muscle cells.
Therefore, with this information, we can conclude that the muscle hypertrophy does not increase the number of muscle cells, only increases their size and protein content. There is another process called hyperplasia by which new cells are formed due to the fusion of myoblasts, but this is not the primary mechanism of muscle growth in adult life.
Ok, this is it, we're understanding muscle growth, I hope so.
If you wan more information about muscle growth, fitness and bodybuilding click here.
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About the Author:
Jose Davila is a part time fitness consultant and a full time science student and researcher with several years of experience in fitness and bodybuilding. He is an amateur writer, who enjoys to share and discuss quality information. For more information visit his blog here
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tags: bodybuilding, workout program, muscle building, gym, exercise machine
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