Overview
This lecture covers the key structural and functional characteristics of cardiac muscle tissue as seen under the microscope.
Cardiac Muscle Structure
- Cardiac muscle tissue makes up the heart.
- Cardiac muscle cells display striations (alternating light and dark bands).
- Intercalated disks are unique, dark bands connecting adjacent cells.
- Cardiac muscle cells exhibit branching.
- Each cardiac muscle cell typically contains one nucleus (uninucleate), sometimes two (binucleate).
Cardiac Muscle Function & Location
- Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart.
- Muscle action is involuntary and cannot be consciously controlled.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cardiac muscle — muscle tissue found in the heart, responsible for pumping blood.
- Striations — alternating light and dark bands seen in some muscle types.
- Intercalated disks — specialized connections between cardiac muscle cells.
- Uninucleate — having one nucleus per cell.
- Involuntary control — not consciously controlled by the individual.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the structure and function of cardiac muscle for upcoming quiz.
- Be able to identify cardiac muscle features under the microscope.