INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL

Review Article ISSN: 2320 5091 Impact Factor: 4.018

PHYSIOLOGY OF MUSCLE CONTARCTION – A PANCHABHOUTHIK UNDERSTANDING

Kamath Nagaraj1, Patel Yashesh2

1Asst.Professor, Department of Shareera Kriya, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan-573201, Karnataka, India 2Asst.Professor, Department of Shareera Kriya, Shree RMD Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Valsad, Gujarat, India

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT The individual is an epitome of the universe. All the material & spiritual phenomenon of the universe are present in the individual. Similarly all those resent in the individual are also contained in the universe. The body is de- scribed as the modified form of Mahabhutas hence the description of the identity of the individual & the universe relates to Mahabhutic composition only. The multitudes of the human features are ascribed to the proportion of different Bhutas each of different nature. The major function of Mahabhuta is it improves the size by so- lidifying the body parts, Jala Mahabhuta confluences the body tissues, Mahabhuta is responsible for meta- bolic activities, Mahabhuta divides and differentiates the cell and tissues, Akasha Mahabhuta increases the quantity by forming cavities. The solid and tough structures like muscle, muscle fibres, nerve and at microscopic level including other cellular components, structural proteins are the attributes of Prithvi Mahabhuta. The liquid portion present inside the muscle, nerves i.e. intracellular fluid, secretions from structures which helps in lubrica- tion & moistening can be considered as the attributes of Jala Mahabhuta. The Agni Mahabhhuta can be consid- ered as neurotransmitters that are secreted for the initiation & continuation of muscle contraction, Ionic variations, ATP utilisation that occur for muscle contraction. The process of movement of thick & thin filaments, contrac- tion & relaxation, movement of neurotransmitters across nerve fibre & neuro muscular junction, movement of ions functions of contractile & regulatory proteins in muscle tissue can be considered as the function because of Vayu Mahabhuta since the function of Vayu Mahabhuta is differentiation, movement & regulation. The space present inside various organs and various channels present for the secretions & other functions can be attributed to Akasha Mahabhuta.

Keywords: Panchamahabhuta, muscle contraction, Shareera, Kriya

INTRODUCTION The individual is an epitome of the universe. All the present in the individual. Similarly all those resent in material & spiritual phenomenon of the universe are the individual are also contained in the universe.1 Kamath Nagaraj & Patel Yashesh: Physiology Of Muscle Contraction – A Panchabhouthik Understanding

Originating in cosmic consciousness, this wisdom keep the thick and thin filaments in the proper was intuitively received in the hearts of the ancient alignment, give the myofibril elasticity and extensi- scholars. They perceived that consciousness was bility, and link the myofibrils to the sarcolemma and energy manifested into the five basic principles or extracellular matrix. The two contractile proteins in elements. Man is microcosm of the nature and so the muscle are myosin and actin, which are the main five basic elements present in all matter also exists components of thick and thin filaments, respectively. within each individual. Thus out of the womb of the Myosin functions as a motor protein in all three five elements, all matter is born. The five basic ele- types of muscle tissue. Motor proteins push or pull ments exist in all matter. provides the classic various cellular structures to achieve movement by example: - the solids of iced water are manifestation converting the chemical energy in ATP to the me- of the Prithvi Mahabhuta ( principle). Latent chanical energy of motion or the production of force. heat in the ice (Agni) liquefies it, manifesting into In skeletal muscle, about 300 molecules of myosin Jala Mahabhuta (water principle). And then eventu- form a single thick filament. Each myosin molecule ally it turns into steam expressing the Vayu is shaped like two golf clubs twisted together. The Mahabhuta ( principle) the steam disappears into myosin tail (twisted golf club handles) points toward Akasha or space.2Bhuta is that which is not born out the M line in the center of the sarcomere. Tails of of something, but out of which something is born. It neighboring myosin molecules lie parallel to one is the material cause of substances in the world. another, forming the shaft of the thick filament. The When we say Bhuta we mean that subtle level of two projections of each myosin molecule (golf club existence, where as Mahabhuta refers to gross level heads) are called myosin heads. The heads project of existence.3Panchikarana is the process through outward from the shaft in a spiraling fashion, each which invisible Bhutas combine with each other and extending toward one of the six thin filaments that form the visible Mahabhutas in such a way that all surround each thick filament. Bhutas are present together in each Drisya Bhuta in Thin filaments are anchored to Z discs. Their main varying degrees of predominance. Thus in the physi- component is the protein actin. Individual actin cal world everything is a combination of Pancha molecules join to form an actin filament that is Mahabhutas & we cannot see them independently.4 twisted into a helix. On each actin molecule is a my- Thus the five basic elements Akasha Vayu, Teja, osin-binding site, a myosin head can attach. Smaller Jala And Prithvi are present in one substance. This amounts of two regulatory proteins—tropomyosin proves that all five elements are present in all matter and troponin—are also part of the thin filament. In in the universe.5 Visualization of the identity of the relaxed muscle, myosin is blocked from binding to individual with the universe paves the way for salva- actin because strands of tropomyosin cover the my- tion. The body is described as the modified form of osin-binding sites on actin. The tropomyosin strands Mahabhutas hence the description of the identity of in turn are held in place by troponin molecules. the individual & the universe relates to Mahabhutic when calcium ions (Ca2+) bind to troponin, it un- composition only. The multitudes of the human fea- dergoes a change in shape; this conformational tures are ascribed to the proportion of different change moves tropomyosin away from myosin- Bhutas each of different nature. binding sites on actin and muscle contraction subse- Myofibrils basic unit of muscle tissue are built from quently begins as myosin binds to actin. Besides three kinds of proteins: (1) contractile proteins, contractile and regulatory proteins, muscle contains which generate force during contraction; (2) regula- about a dozen structural proteins, which contribute tory proteins, which help switch the contraction to the alignment, stability, elasticity, and extensibil- process on and off; and (3) structural proteins, which

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Kamath Nagaraj & Patel Yashesh: Physiology Of Muscle Contraction – A Panchabhouthik Understanding ity of myofibrils. Several key structural proteins are the impulses passing through motor nerve and neu- titin, _-actinin, myomesin, nebulin, and dystrophin. 6 romuscular junction, action potential is generated in Muscle contraction occurs because myosin heads the muscle fiber. Action potential spreads over sar- attach to and “walk” along the thin filaments at both colemma and also into the muscle fiber through the ends of a sarcomere, progressively pulling the thin ‘T’ tubules. The ‘T’ tubules are responsible for the filaments toward the M line. As a result, the thin rapid spread of action potential into the muscle fiber. filaments slide inward and meet at the center of a When the action potential reaches the cisternae of sarcomere. They may even move so far inward that ‘L’ tubules, these cisternae are excited. Now, the their ends overlap. As the thin filaments slide in- calcium ions stored in the cisternae are released into ward, the Z discs come closer together, and the sar- the sarcoplasm. The calcium ions from the sar- comere shortens. However, the lengths of the indi- coplasm move towards the actin filaments to pro- vidual thick and thin filaments do not change. Short- duce the contraction. Thus, the calcium ion forms ening of the sarcomeres causes shortening of the the link or coupling material between the excitation whole muscle fiber, which in turn leads to shorten- and the contraction of muscle. Hence, the calcium ing of the entire muscle. The contraction cycle con- ions are said to form the basis of excitation- sists of following steps: ATP hydrolysis. The my- contraction coupling.8 osin head includes an ATP-binding site and an AT- Pase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes ATP into ADP AIM & OBJECTIVES (adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate group. To critically analyze the Panchabhauthik under- This hydrolysis reaction reorients and energizes the standing of physiology of muscle contraction. myosin head. Attachment of myosin to actin to form cross-bridges. The energized myosin head attaches MATERIALS & METHODS to the myosin-binding site actin and releases the pre- The Bruhat Trayi were scrutinised regarding the ref- viously hydrolyzed phosphate group. When the my- erences for the Guna and of the osin heads attach to actin during contraction, they Panchamahabhuta. Later, physiologico-anatomical are referred to as cross-bridges. Power stroke. After aspects of the physiology of muscle contraction were the crossbridges form, the power stroke occurs. Dur- studied from modern physiology books. Later, sup- ing the power stroke, the site on the crossbridge portive correlation was done between Ayurvedic and where ADP is still bound opens. As a result, the modern views to build valid and reliable hypothesis crossbridge rotates and releases the ADP. The cross- regarding the Panchabhauthika relation to the vari- bridge generates force as it rotates toward the center ous anatomical and physiological aspects of muscle of the sarcomere, sliding the thin filament past the contraction. thick filament toward the M line. Detachment of myosin from actin. At the end of the power stroke, DISCUSSION the crossbridge remains firmly attached to actin until The individual Mahabhutas will be having Bhavas. it binds another molecule of ATP. As ATP binds to The Bhavas of Akasha Mahabhuta is audition, audi- the ATP binding site on the myosin head, the my- tory apparatus, lightness, minuteness, separation, osin head detaches from actin. 7 face, neck and lips. The Bhavas of Vayu Mahabhuta Excitation-contraction coupling is the process that are touch, touch senses, dryness, inspiration, tissue occurs in between the excitation and contraction of configuration, vitality, apana region, motor function the muscle. This process involves series of activities, of body. Tejah Mahubhuta Bhavas are vision, visual which responsible for the contraction of excited apparatus, splendor, pitta, digestive power and heat muscle. When a muscle is excited (stimulated) by and growth of body. The Bhavas Of Jala Mahabhuta

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Kamath Nagaraj & Patel Yashesh: Physiology Of Muscle Contraction – A Panchabhouthik Understanding are taste, taste organ, coldness, softness, confluence, the link or coupling material between the excitation viscous, humidity, kapha, meda, rakta, mamsa, and the contraction of muscle. Hence, the calcium shukra. The Bhavas of Pritvi Mahabhuta are smell, ions are said to form the basis of excitation- olfactory organ, heaviness, stability and statuette.9 contraction coupling. The myosin head includes an The major function of Prithvi Mahabhuta is it im- ATP-binding site and an ATPase, an enzyme that proves the size by solidifying the body parts, Jala hydrolyzes ATP into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) Mahabhuta confluences the body tissues, Agni and a phosphate group. This hydrolysis reaction re- Mahabhuta is responsible for metabolic activities, orients and energizes the myosin head. Attachment Vayu Mahabhuta divides and differentiates the cell of myosin to actin to form crossbridges. The ener- and tissues, Akasha Mahabhuta increases the quanti- gized myosin head attaches to the myosin-binding ty by forming cavities. These result in complexity, site actin and releases the previously hydrolyzed delightedness or richness, energy, movement, phosphate group. When the myosin heads attach to cavitations/perforations in the body.10 actin during contraction, they are referred to as Myofibrils basic unit of muscle tissue are built from crossbridges. Power stroke. After the crossbridges three kinds of proteins: (1) contractile proteins, form, the power stroke occurs. During the power which generate force during contraction; (2) regula- stroke, the site on the crossbridge where ADP is still tory proteins, which help switch the contraction bound opens. As a result, the crossbridge rotates and process on and off; and (3) structural proteins, which releases the ADP. The crossbridge generates force as keep the thick and thin filaments in the proper it rotates toward the center of the sarcomere, sliding alignment, give the myofibril elasticity and extensi- the thin filament past the thick filament toward the bility, and link the myofibrils to the sarcolemma and M line. Detachment of myosin from actin. At the extracellular matrix. The solid and tough structures end of the power stroke, the crossbridge remains like muscle, muscle fibres, nerve and at microscopic firmly attached to actin until it binds another mole- level including other cellular components, structural cule of ATP. As ATP binds to the ATP binding site proteins are the attributes of Prithvi Mahabhuta bu on the myosin head, the myosin head detaches from considering the properties & functions. The liquid actin. The Agni Mahabhhuta can be considered as portion present inside the muscle, nerves i.e. intra- neurotransmitters that are secreted for the initiation cellular fluid, secretions from structures which help & continuation of muscle contraction, Ionic varia- in lubrication & moistening can be considered as the tions, ATP utilisation that occur for muscle contrac- attributes of Jala Mahabhuta. tion. When a muscle is excited (stimulated) by the im- Smaller amounts of two regulatory proteins— pulses passing through motor nerve and neuromus- tropomyosin and troponin—are also part of the thin cular junction, action potential is generated in the filament. In relaxed muscle, myosin is blocked from muscle fiber. Action potential spreads over sar- binding to actin because strands of tropomyosin colemma and also into the muscle fiber through the cover the myosin-binding sites on actin. The tropo- ‘T’ tubules. The ‘T’ tubules are responsible for the myosin strands in turn are held in place by troponin rapid spread of action potential into the muscle fiber. molecules. When calcium ions (Ca2+) bind to tro- When the action potential reaches the cisternae of ponin, it undergoes a change in shape; this confor- ‘L’ tubules, these cisternae are excited. Now, the mational change moves tropomyosin away from calcium ions stored in the cisternae are released into myosin-binding sites on actin and muscle contrac- the sarcoplasm. The calcium ions from the sar- tion subsequently begins as myosin binds to actin. coplasm move towards the actin filaments to pro- The process of movement of thick & thin filaments, duce the contraction. Thus, the calcium ion forms contraction & relaxation, movement of neurotrans-

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Kamath Nagaraj & Patel Yashesh: Physiology Of Muscle Contraction – A Panchabhouthik Understanding mitters across nerve fibre & neuro muscular junc- 4. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika tion, movement of ions functions of contractile & commentary of Chakrapani Datta. Reprint ed. Vara- regulatory proteins in muscle tissue can be consid- nasi (India): Chaukambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 326. ered as the function because of Vayu Mahabhuta 5. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapani Datta. Reprint ed. Vara- since the function of Vayu Mahabhuta is differentia- nasi (India): Chaukambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 138. tion, movement & regulation. The space present 6. Toratora GJ, Derickson B. Principles of anatomy and inside various organs and various channels present physiology.11thedi. United States of America: John for the secretions & other functions can be attributed wiley& sons.Inc;2007,310. to Akasha Mahabhuta. 7. Toratora GJ, Derickson B. Principles of anatomy and physiology.11thedi. United States of America: John CONCLUSION wiley& sons.Inc;2007,311. The solid and tough structures like muscle, muscle 8. Sembulingam K, Essentials of medical physiolo- fibres, nerve and at microscopic level including oth- gy.6th edi. New Delhi: Jaypee publications;2012,195. er cellular components, structural proteins are the 9. Acharya JT. Susrutha Samhita with Nibandhasangraha commentary of Dalhana. Reprint attributes of Prithvi Mahabhuta. The liquid portion ed. Varanasi (India): Chaukambha Sansthan; present inside the muscle, nerves i.e. intracellular 2009. p. 364. fluid, secretions from structures which helps in lu- 10. Acharya JT. Susrutha Samhita with brication & moistening are the attributes of Jala Nibandhasangraha commentary of Dalhana. Reprint Mahabhuta. The Agni Mahabhhuta is considered as ed. Varanasi (India): Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; neurotransmitters that are secreted for the initiation 2009. p. 363. & continuation of muscle contraction, Ionic varia- tions, ATP utilisation that occur for muscle contrac- Source of Support: Nil tion. The process of movement of thick & thin fila- Conflict Of Interest: None Declared ments, contraction & relaxation, movement of neu- rotransmitters across nerve fibre & neuro muscular How to cite this URL: Kamath Nagaraj & Patel Yashesh: Physiology Of Muscle Contraction – A Panchabhouthik junction, movement of ions functions of contractile Understanding. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal & regulatory proteins in muscle tissue are consid- {online} 2018 {cited August, 2018} Available from: ered as the function because of Vayu Mahabhuta http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/1727_1731.pdf since the function of Vayu Mahabhuta is differentia- tion, movement & regulation. The space present in- side various organs and various channels present for the secretions & other functions are attributed to Akasha Mahabhuta.

REFERENCES 1. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapani Datta. Reprint ed. Vara- nasi (India): Chaukambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 325. 2. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapani Datta. Reprint ed. Vara- nasi (India): Chaukambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 326. 3. Acharya JT. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapani Datta. Reprint ed. Vara- nasi (India): Chaukambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 325.

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