sarcoplasmic reticulum

reticulum /re·tic·u·lum/ (rĕ-tik´u-lum) pl. retic´ula   [L.]

1. a small network, especially a protoplasmic network in cells.

2. reticular tissue.

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endoplasmic reticulum  an ultramicroscopic organelle of nearly all higher plant and animal cells, consisting of a system of membrane-bound cavities in the cytoplasm; occurring in two types, rough-surfaced (granular r.), bearing large numbers of ribosomes on its outer surface, and smooth-surfaced (agranular r.) .

sarcoplasmic reticulum  a form of agranular reticulum in the sarcoplasm of striated muscle, comprising a system of smooth-surfaced tubules surrounding each myofibril.

stellate reticulum  the soft, middle part of the enamel organ of a developing tooth.

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sarcoplasmic reticulum

n.

The endoplasmic reticulum found in striated muscle fibers.

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sarcoplasmic reticulum

[-plas′mik]

Etymology: Gk, sarx + plassein, to mold; L, reticulum, little net

a network of tubules and sacs in skeletal muscle fibers that plays an important role in muscle contraction and relaxation by releasing and storing calcium ions. This network is analogous, but not identical, to the endoplasmic reticulum of other cells.