Two of the most characteristic features of striated muscle are (i) its
ability to contract and generate tension when activated and (ii) its
ability to return to its original length and form after contraction or
stretching ceases. These two properties are to a large extent the pri
mary manifestations of separate sets of filament systems: contractile
actin and myosin filaments and viscoelastic titin and intermediate fil
aments. Z bands function as a common link that mechanically integrates
contractile and elastic elements and as such they play a fundamental
role in transmission of active and passive forces. Differences in Z ba
nd structure have been described for distinct classes of muscle and fi
bre types. The diversity in Z band architecture has been built around
its phylogenetically conserved role as an actin-anchoring structure. N
ovel proteins are likely to account for structural and functional diff
erences seen across the phyla.