Cardiac Muscle Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the structure, characteristics, function, and key components of cardiac muscle tissue.

Cardiac muscle tissue

An involuntary muscle tissue found in the wall of the heart that contracts rhythmically to pump blood.

Myocardium

The wall of the heart where cardiac muscle tissue is found.

Cardiomyocyte

A cardiac muscle cell, which typically contains a centrally located nucleus (usually one, but occasionally two).

Intercalated disc

A junction connecting neighboring cardiac muscle cells that helps the cells communicate and contract together.

Distinguishing features of cardiac muscle tissue

Structural characteristics including striations, branching cells, central nuclei, and intercalated discs.