Myocyte contraction

Myocyte contraction is the process by which muscle cells in the heart generate force to pump blood. When the heart receives a nerve signal, it triggers a release of calcium ions inside the myocytes. These calcium ions interact with proteins that cause the muscle fibers to slide past each other, shortening the cell. This shortening generates the contraction that squeezes the heart chambers. Afterward, calcium levels decrease, allowing the fibers to relax. This cycle of calcium release and re-uptake repeats with each heartbeat, enabling the heart to beat rhythmically and effectively circulate blood throughout the body.