Thick filaments are essential components of muscle fibers, primarily composed of the protein myosin. They play a crucial role in muscle contraction by interacting with thin filaments, which are mainly made of actin. The structure of thick filaments allows them to form cross-bridges with thin filaments, facilitating the sliding mechanism that leads to muscle shortening and force generation. In skeletal and cardiac muscles, thick filaments are organized into a repeating pattern, contributing to the striated appearance of these tissues. The arrangement of thick and thin filaments within the sarcomere, the basic unit of muscle contraction, is vital for efficient movement and overall muscle function.