A three-dimensional sarcomere muscle cell teaching model which contracts and extends. A slide mechanism and support base allows opposing rigid walls which represent sarcomere cell Z-Band structures to slide in relation to one another. A rigid wall representing the sarcomere cell M-Line structure is positioned between the Z-Band structures. A plurality of rods representing Myosin Rods extends outward on each side of the M-Line structure toward the Z-Band opposing structures. Other rods, representing Actin Rods, extend from each of the Z-Band structures toward the M-Line structure. Each Actin Rod corresponds to one or more Myosin Rods, is positioned between the M-Line and Z-Band structures, and slide past one another when the Z-Band structures are moved. Opposing tension is applied to the Myosin Rods to maintain them in position between the Z-Band structures. Filaments extend from the Actin and Myosin Rods to simulate the interaction between the Actin and Myosin Rods.