104k views
4 votes
All of the fibers in cardiac muscle are anatomically interconnected. What does that mean?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Cardiac muscle cells are anatomically interconnected through intercalated discs, which allow for physical and electrochemical connections between the cells. This enables the cells to contract in a synchronized manner, ensuring the entire heart contracts as one unit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cells of cardiac muscle, known as cardiomyocytes, are anatomically interconnected through structures called intercalated discs. These discs contain anchoring junctions and gap junctions, allowing for physical and electrochemical connections between the cells. This interconnectedness enables the cardiomyocytes to contract in a synchronized manner, forming a syncytium and ensuring that the entire heart contracts as one unit. This arrangement is unique to cardiac muscle and is essential for its role in pumping blood throughout the body.

User SandeepGodara
by
8.1k points