According to the sliding filament model of muscle contraction, what happens during contraction?

During contraction, the sliding filament model describes how the thin filaments (actin) slide past the thick filaments (myosin) within the sarcomeres of muscle fibers. When the muscle is stimulated, myosin heads attach to binding sites on the actin filaments, forming cross-bridges. As these myosin heads pivot and pull the actin filaments toward the center of the sarcomere, the distance between the Z lines decreases, resulting in muscle shortening and contraction.

This interaction is essential for muscle contraction to occur. The sliding action does not involve the complete separation of myofilaments or the myofilaments remaining apart; rather, it is a coordinated movement that brings the filaments closer together while maintaining their structural integrity within the sarcomere. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for comprehending how muscles generate force and movement.