Final answer:
Cardiac muscle tissue is characterized by its inherent rhythmicity, which facilitates coordinated contractions of the heart, and its cells are connected through intercalated discs. Unlike skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle cells are not multinucleated but do contract via the sliding filament mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the properties of cardiac muscle tissue, which is distinct in its structure and function. Unlike skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells typically have a single centrally located nucleus, are branched, and are connected through specialized cell junctions known as intercalated discs. These intercalated discs enable the cardiac muscle fibers to function as a syncytium, synchronizing their contraction.
Cardiac muscle tissue demonstrates striations similar to skeletal muscle, indicating the presence of sarcomeres and the utilization of the sliding filament mechanism for contraction.
A fundamental characteristic of cardiac muscle tissue is its inherent rhythmicity, or auto-rhythmicity, enabling the heart to contract without external stimuli. This auto-rhythmicity is crucial for maintaining a steady heartbeat.
Unlike skeletal muscle fibers, cardiac muscle fibers do not vary in size as much and are not multinucleated. In contrast to the claim about magnesium, it is in fact calcium ions that play a pivotal role in cardiac muscle contraction.
Therefore, the correct statement concerning cardiac muscle tissue is: cardiac muscle tissue exhibits inherent rhythmicity, which is the basis of coordinated heartbeats.