Final answer:
The removal of damaged mitochondria from cells, including skeletal muscle cells, is called mitophagy. This process is crucial for preventing muscle atrophy and maintaining muscle function, especially because mitochondria are key in energy production for muscle contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The removal of damaged mitochondria in skeletal muscle and other cells is known as mitophagy. Mitochondria are instrumental in energy production within the cell, creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the processes of the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Muscle cells, in particular, have a high concentration of mitochondria to meet their substantial energy demands for contraction.
When mitochondria are damaged, they can't produce ATP efficiently, leading to symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness. Continuous damage and non-functionality of mitochondria can lead to muscle atrophy and the loss of muscle tissue. Therefore, the regular removal of dysfunctional mitochondria is crucial to maintaining cellular health and function. In instances where muscle contraction cannot occur naturally, such as in the case of some medical conditions, electrical stimulation may be applied to stimulate muscle contraction and prevent atrophy.