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HistologyTypes of tissuesMuscle tissueH zone
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HistologyTypes of tissuesMuscle tissueH zone

H zone

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 15, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Skeletal muscle tissue [12:25]
This type of tissue is found in skeletal muscles and is responsible for the voluntary movements of bones.
H zone
Stria H
Synonyms: H-zone, Pale zone , show more...

The H zone, from the German word 'helle' meaning 'bright', is the central region of the A band within the sarcomere which does not contain thin (actin) filaments. This region appears paler in contrast to the rest of the A band, which contains the overlapping thin and thick (myosin) filaments and therefore appears darker. In the middle of the H zone is a vertical line known as the M line, which links the thick filaments to each other.

As sarcomeres shorten during a muscle contraction, the H zone, similar to the I band, narrows due to the increasing overlap of thick and thin filaments as the thin filaments are pulled closer to the M line. The H zone may no longer be visible when a muscle is fully contracted. 

Terminology English: H zone
Latin: Stria H
Definition Central region of the A band containing only thick filaments
Function Shortens during a muscle contraction as thin filaments are pulled towards the M line

Learn more about the structure of skeletal muscle with this study unit (and article):

Skeletal muscle Explore study unit
Muscles and muscle tissue Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Amerman, E. (2015). Human Anatomy and Physiology (global ed.). England: Pearson Education Limited.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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