Difference between Red Muscle fibre and White Muscle Fibres :
| Red Muscle Fibres | White Muscles Fibers |
|---|---|
| In red Muscle fibre more number of Mitochondria are present. | In white Muscles fibre mitochondria is present in less number as compared to red Muscle fibre. |
| In this sorcoplasmic reticulum is less in number. | In white Muscles sorcoplasmic reticulum is present in Large in number. |
| Red Muscles are thin and small in size as compared to the white muscle fibre. | White Muscles are thick and large in size than white Muscles. |
| Red in color because of presence of more amount of Myoglobin. | White in color because of less amount of Myoglobin is Present. |
| In red Muscle fibre the process of contraction is slow as compared to white Muscles. | In white Muscles rate of muscle contraction is fast. |
| Red Muscle fibre use more Oxygen. | It white Muscles fibre less amount of oxygen involved as compared to red Muscle fibre. |
| Red Muscle perform aerobic oxidation without accumulating more lactic acid. | White Muscles fibre perform anaerobic oxidation by accumulating more lactic acid. |
| They have slow twitch fiber that contracts muscle slowly. | They have fast twitch fiber which contracts muscle faster than red Muscle fibre. |
| Example of red Muscle is extensor Muscle. | Example of white Muscles is muscle of the eye. |
| Less amount of energy is produced. | More amount of energy is produced as compared to red Muscle because of presence of glycogen. |
What are muscles?
A muscle is an organ that consists of fibers and is capable of contracting under the influence of nerve impulses sent by the brain through the brain-muscle connection. Accordingly, the main functions of the muscle fiber in the context of sports are the implementation of movements and the maintenance of body position. Muscle fibers are of two types - slow or red, and fast or white.
Red Muscle Fiber:
- Red muscle fibers are muscle fibers that are dark red in color due to presence of a red hemoprotein called myoglobin.
- Myoglobin binds and stores oxygen in the form of oxymyogibobin in red fibers.
- These fibers are called slow fibers because they have a low rate of contraction and are best adapted to perform continuous work for a long time.
- They are surrounded by a network of capillaries that constantly deliver oxygen.
- Red muscle fibers have more mitochondria than white ones. They conduct significant aerobic oxidation without accumulating much lactic acid.
- Thus, red muscle fibers can contract for long periods of time without fatigue.
- Red muscle use the oxidation of carbohydrates and fatty acids for energy (aerobic energy production system).
- Red fibers have a large number of mitochondria, in which the oxidation process takes place to obtain energy.
- This type of fiber is able to obtain energy not only from carbohydrates, but also from fats.
White Muscle Fibres:
White muscle fibers are lighter in color because they do not have myoglobin. They mainly depend on anaerobic oxidation (glycolysis) for energy production and accumulate lactic acid in significant amounts during strenuous work and soon tire.
Frequently Asked Questions on Red Muscle fibre and White Muscle Fibres:
1. What is the difference between red and white muscle fibers?
Answer: Red muscle fibers have more mitochondria than white ones. They conduct significant aerobic oxidation without accumulating much lactic acid. Thus, red muscle fibers can contract for long periods of time without fatigue. Red muscle fibers have slower twitch than white muscle fibers and they don't tire so easily.
2. What is the difference between red muscle tissue and white muscle tissue in fish?
Answer: The red muscles are aerobic while the white muscle is mostly anaerobic. As long as a fish swims within the sustained swimming speed only the red muscles are used, while in prolonged swimming at high swim speeds, some of the white muscles are used, and this is what eventually leads to fatigue.
