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The main filaments found in muscle cells belong to the ________________ family; people with disruptions in these intermediate filaments can have muscular dystrophy. In the nervous system, __________________s help strengthen the extremely long extensions often present in nerve cell axons; disruptions in these intermediate filaments can lead to neurodegeneration?

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Final answer:

Intermediate filaments in muscle cells are important for structure and function, and disruptions can cause muscular dystrophy. Neurofilaments in neurons support axon extensions and prevent neurodegeneration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main filaments found in muscle cells belong to the intermediate filaments family; disruptions in these intermediate filaments can lead to muscular dystrophy. In the nervous system, neurofilaments help strengthen the extremely long extensions often present in nerve cell axons; disruptions in these intermediate filaments can result in neurodegeneration.

Intermediate filaments are a diverse group of cytoskeletal elements which provide structural support within cells. Specifically, desmin, part of the intermediate filaments group, is found in muscle cells, where it plays a crucial role in structural support and contraction. In contrast, neurofilaments are intermediate filaments critical to the nervous system's function.

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