Final answer:
Muscle fibers are composed of threadlike structures called 'myofilaments', which consist of actin and myosin proteins arranged into sarcomeres. These myofilaments are crucial for muscle contraction. Connective tissues encase muscle fibers and facilitate the supply of nutrients and structural integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The muscular system is composed of specialized cells called muscle fibers, which are in turn made up from bundles of threadlike structures. These threadlike structures within the muscle fibers are known as myofilaments. There are two primary types of myofilaments: actin, which are thin filaments, and myosin, which are thick filaments.
These myofilaments are organized into repeated units called sarcomeres, which are the functional units of muscle contraction. During muscle contraction, myosin and actin filaments slide past each other to shorten the muscle fiber, leading to muscle movement.
Muscles are supported and protected by connective tissue layers known as the endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium, which also provide pathways for nerves and blood vessels. The bundled muscle fibers form muscle fascicles, and these fascicles are grouped to form a muscle, which is then connected to the skeleton by the tendons.