ECM	extracellular matrix
EDL	M. extensor digitorum longus
EGTA	ethylene glycol-bis(-aminoethyl ether)-N N N’ N’-tetraacetic acid
FBS	fetal bovine serum
FCS	fetal calf serum
FT	force transducer
HA	high activating (solution)
HDTA	hexamethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
Hepes	4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid
het	heterozygous
HKS	high potassium solution
hom	homozygous
HR	high relaxing (solution)
IF	intermediate filament
LR	low relaxing (solution)
MHC	myosin heavy chain
RLT	resting length-tension
SOL	M. soleus
SR	sarcoplasmic reticulum
VC	voice coil
wt	wild type
ULF	unit length filament