Name three important functions of ATP in skeletal muscle contraction.

Explanation

(1) Its splitting (hydrolysis) by an ATPase activates the myosin head so it can bind to actin and swivel, (2) its binding to myosin detaches the cross bridge from actin after the power stroke, and (3) it powers the pumps that transport `Ca^(2+)` from the sarcoplasm back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.