title: Contraction in stentor coeruleus: a cinematic analysis.
abstract: The convoluted M bands of the protozoan Stentor coeruleus straighten before the animal contracts. Mechanical stimulation initiates contraction locally, and then contraction spreads over the animal with a propagation velocity of 5 to 25 centimeters per second. The contractile wave may spread in both anterior and posterior directions. Electrical stimulation initiates contraction in all areas of Stentor simultaneously.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000502:physiology*; D008853:Microscopy; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology; D009040:Motion Pictures; D009119:Muscle Contraction