troponin
/ˈtroʊpənɪn/
noun
- A protein complex in muscle cells that, along with tropomyosin, regulates muscle contraction in response to calcium levels.
- Doctors measure troponin levels in the blood to diagnose heart attacks.
- When calcium binds to troponin, it triggers a series of events that cause muscle contraction.
- High troponin levels can indicate damage to the heart muscle.