Question

Why are muscle cells arranged in a helical pattern in the myocardium?

a) To enhance electrical conduction
b) To increase muscle flexibility
c) To optimize pumping efficiency
d) To reduce oxygen consumption

Answer 1

Muscle cells in the myocardium are arranged in a helical pattern to optimize the heart's pumping efficiency, with a swirling and spiraling arrangement that enhances the contraction and blood pumping functions of the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The muscle cells in the myocardium are arranged in a helical pattern to optimize the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This intricate arrangement, with the muscle cells swirling and spiraling around the chambers of the heart, enables the myocardium to contract and pump blood through the heart and into the major arteries efficiently. The helical pattern, which forms a figure 8 around both the atria and the ventricles, functions significantly better than a simple linear pattern would in propelling blood throughout the body.