Parallel muscle fibers are a type of skeletal muscle arrangement where the fibers run parallel to the length of the muscle, allowing for a greater range of motion but less force than other arrangements. This configuration facilitates muscles elongating and contracting over a larger distance.
Related terms
Skeletal Muscle: A type of striated tissue which is under voluntary control and is responsible for movement of the bones.
Range of Motion: The full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and extension.
Muscle Contraction: The process in which muscle fibers generate tension through the action of actin and myosin cross-bridge cycling, effectively shortening or elongating the muscle